AN 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE 


DELIVERED    AT 


MAL.DEN,    MASS. 


ON    THE    DAY    OF    THE 


ANNUAL    THANKSGIVING. 


DECEMBER    1,    1831, 


CONTAININO 


A  SKETCH  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  THAT  TOWN  FROM  ITS 
SETTLEMENT  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 


BY  S.  OSGOOD  WRIGHT. 


PUBLISHED    BY    REQUEST. 


BOSTON  : 

LYCEUM  PRESS LIGHT  AND  HARRIS, 

No.  3   CornhiU.  * 

1832. 


)>\ 


AN 


HISTORICAL  DISCOURSE 


DELIVERED    AT 


MAL.DEN,    MASS 


ON    THE    DAY    OF    THE 


ANNUAL    THANKSGIVING, 


DECEMBER    1,    1831, 


CONTAININO 


A  SKETCH  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  THAT  TOWN  FROM  ITS 
SETTLEMENT  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 


BY  S.  OSGOOD  WRIGHT. 


PUBLISHED    BY    REQUEST. 


BOSTON  : 

LYCEUM  PRESS LIGHT  AND  HARRIS, 

No.  3   Cornhill. 

1832. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  MASSACHUSETTS 
AT  AMHERST 


UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 

Special  Collections  &  Rare  Books 


DISCOURSE. 


Hear  this  ye  old  men,  and  give  ear,  all  ye  inhabitants  of  the  land.  Hath  this 
been  in  your  days,  or  even  in  the  days  of  your  fathers  ?  Tell  ye  your  children 
of  it,  and  let  your  children  tell  their  children,  and  their  children  another  gen- 
eration...Joei.  i.  2,  3. 

Repeated  blessings  demand  repeated  expressions  of  thank- 
fulness. And  though  there  is  no  period  of  human  life  in 
which  there  is  not  occasion  for  an  acknowledgment  of  the 
kindness  of  heaven  ;  yet  at  such  times  as  are  peculiarly  mark- 
ed by  custom,  or  important  events,  it  is  the  imperious  duty  of 
men  to  engage  in  suitable  acts  of  praise  to  him  '  from  wiiom 
Cometh  every  good  and  every  perfect  gift.'  A  sense  of  our 
perpetual  dependence  upon  the  mercy  and  goodness  of  God, 
is  altogether  sufficient  to  awaken  the  most  exquisite  sensa- 
tions in  every  heart.  But  when  we  trace  the  kindness  that 
enriched  those  who  have  gone  before  us; — when  we  discover 
the  train  of  smiling  providences  which,  like  a  golden  chain 
all  sparkling  with  mercy  drops,  is  lifting  us  up  to  heaven; — 
when  we  review  those  blessings  which  have  fallen  upon  the 
pathway  of  our  existence,  '  as  the  rain  upon  the  tender  herb, 
or  the  dew  upon  the  mown  grass,' — then,  gratitude  should 
clad  itself  in  the  flowing  robes  of  purest  praise  and  adoration, 
and  seek  the  loftiest  ascriptions  of  honor  to  him  who  is  'God 
over  all,'  and  in  whose  '  presence  is  fulness  of  joy ;  and  at 
whose  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  forevermore.' 

Desiring,  upon  this  occasion,  to  call  to  your  remembrance 
the  mercies  of  God,  I  have  designed  as  the  theme  of  my  dis- 
course, some  of  the  more  conspicuous  events  that  compose 
the  history  of  this  town,  from  its  early  settlement  to  the  pres- 
ent period.  Such  a  history  is  by  no  means  unimportant;  and 
it  may  be  deemed  not  uninteresting  to  the  present  inhabitants 
of  the  town. 


The  materials  for  compiling  a  history  of  this  nature,  are 
not  over  ample  ;  hut  it  has  been  my  aim  to  make  the  best  use 
in  my  power,  of  all  the  aid  that  has  been  afforded.  Many 
facts  and  incidents  that  might  have  been  collected  half  a  cen- 
tury since,  are  now  irrecoverably  lost;  and  in  process  of  time, 
much  now  known  may  share  the  same  fate  ; — our  records  will 
moulder  away  with  age  ;  the  memories  of  those  who  stand  as 
the  talismen  of  former  years,  will  become  as  a  waste  wilder- 
ness; and  thus  many  circumstances,  full  of  interest,  will  pass 
beyond  the  reach  of  after  generations,  unless  perpetuated  by 
the  pen  of  history. 

The  interesting  circumstances  composing  the  history  of  the 
settlement  of  New  England,  by  adventurers  from  Great  Britain, 
have  so  often  engaged  the  attention  of  my  audience,  that  they 
cannot  have  escaped  recollection.  Upon  the  page  of  history 
this  event  is  written,  as  '  with  a  pen  of  iron,  and  the  point  of 
a  diamond  ;' — and  the  passing  off  of  more  than  two  centuries 
has  not  obliterated  the  record  of  that  venerated  hour,  when 
our  pilgrim  fathers  planted  their  footsteps  on  Plymouth  Rock. 
It  is  unnecessary,  therefore,  to  detail  the  cause  and  result  of 
this  enterprise.  From  this  event,  we  are  to  date  the  mediate 
settlement  of  this  town. 

The  precise  period,  after  the  settlement  of  Salem  and  Bos- 
ton, when  the  tract  of  country  now  forming  the  town  of  Malden 
became  a  settlement,  is  not  fully  known.  The  soil  that  now 
bears  upon  its  bosom  our  peaceful  homes,  like  the  extent  of 
country  around  us,  was  once  marked  by  the  wild  roam- 
ings  of  the  red  man  of  the  forest,  who  gradually  gave  back, 
and  yielded  up  his  possession,  as  the  strong  tide  of  emigration 
rolled  in.  Probably,  soon  after  the  occupancy  of  Boston,  the 
adventurers  extended  themselves  over  the  proximate  territory, 
and  commenced  clearing  the  forests  and  erecting  dwellings. 

Malden  is  not  an  original  settlement ;  that  is,  it  was  form- 
ed into  a  town  from  another.  This  is  the  case  with  a  large 
portion  of  the  towns  in  New  England.  At  the  first  settlement 
of  the  country,  an  extent  of  territory,  embracing  many  miles, 
and  in  some  instances  comprising  what  now  forms  five  or  six 
towns,  was  included  in  a  single  township.  Charlestown  for- 
merly extended  to  Stoneham,  and  included  all  that  is  now 
Maiden.  When  the  population  in  one  section  of  a  township 
became  sufficiently  dense,  the  people  gathered  themselves 
into  a  church,  and  then  obtained  acts  of  incorporation.  This 
town  probably  became  incorporated  about  1G49.  A  great 
uncertainty  exists  respecting  the  time  of  the  incorporation  of 
all  our  ancient  towns,  arising  from  the  fact  that  such  acts 
cannot  be  found  in  print.  The  only  source  of  informa- 
tion is  the  public  record  of  that  time.  Whether  the  ancient 
acts  of  incorporation,  swelled  with  words,  as  do  such  matters 


at  the  present  day,  docs  not  appear — the  record,  however,  is 
extremely  hiconic.  Thus — it  is  '  ordered  that  Aggavvanri  shall 
be  caned  Ipswich.'  '  'I'ri-mountain  is  made  a  town  by  the 
name  of  Boston.'  'The  Mistick  north  side  men  arc  incorpo- 
rated into  a  town  called  Maiden.'  Therefore,  by  virtue  of 
this  last  mentioned  order,  the  bounds  of  the  town  of  Maiden 
were  made  to  include  all  that  part  of  Charlestown  lying  north 
of  Mistick  river- 
How  the  town  obtained  its  present  name,  is  not  certain. 
Probably  from  some  person  of  note  of  that  name  ;  or  it  may 
be  from  some  place  in  the  mother  country.  Names  were 
given  to  different  places  by  our  ancestors,  sometimes  as  indi- 
cative of  their  local  situation  ;  or  in  honor  of  some  individual  ; 
or  in  remembrance  of  the  places  they  had  left  in  the  old 
world. 

Though  this  place  was  made  a  town  in  1649,  there  is  no 
record  of  the  doings  of  our  fathers,  in  the  affairs  of  the  town, 
earlier  than  1678.  Our  notice  of  its  concerns  cannot,  there- 
fore, extend  farther  back  than  this  date.  At  this  time,  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  were  zealously  engaged  in  their  sev- 
eral occupations,  pursuits  and  duties;  and  were  enjoying  the 
fruits  of  their  sweat  and  toil. 

Various  and  extensive  municipal  regulations  were  adopted 
and  enforced  in  the  different  settlements  in  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  at  a  very  early  period.  Afterwards  many  of  them  became 
matters  of  general  statute.  Such  was  the  minuteness  of  these 
by-laws,  and  such  the  comparatively  trifling  subjects  to  which 
they  relate,  that  doubtless  they  would  produce  a  smile  from 
many  a  modern  law-maker,  though  his  best  efforts  could  not 
produce  aught  better  to  answer  the  design.  But  we  at  once 
discover  their  importance,  when  it  is  remembered,  that  much 
of  what  was  then  necessary  to  be  enforced  by  penal  authority, 
is  now  enforced  by  custom;  that  vast  portions  of  land  was 
common  property;  and  that  while  men  were  busy  in  clear- 
ing forests  and  cultivating  a  wild  waste,  there  remained  not 
that  time  and  opportunity  to  erect  fences  and  walls  which  are 
now  afforded.  A  variety  of  orders  were  in  force  respecting 
cattle,  sheep,  swine,  cutting  of  timber,  wood,  &c.  By  one 
early  enactment,  the  town  annually  appointed  a  shepherd, 
whose  calling  was  no  doubt  as  honorable  as  that  of  carrying 
a  sheriff's  sword  or  constable's  pole. 

One  or  two  extracts  from  a  record  of  an  early  date,  will 
afford  a  better  idea  of  these  regulations  than  any  description. 

'1689.  Voted,  at  a  publick  towne  meeting-,  that  no  young  trees  under  a 
foot  over,  are  to  be  felled  for  fire  wood  under  a  penalty  of  paying  five 
sliillings  for  every  such  tree.' 

'The  mark  which  capt.  John  line  doe  put  upon  ye  ears  of  those  his 
creturs  which  he  usuly  eare  marks — That  is,  ye  top  of  ye  near  eare  cut 
square  of  and  a  slit  down  in  the  same  eare.  Also  a  half  peney  cut  out 
of  ye  under  side  of  ye  furder  eare.' 


The  town  laws  required  that  all  cattle  should^  be  marked, 
and  each  man's  significant  mark  recorded  in  the  town  book. 

The  marks  designating  the  lines  of  boundary  between  the 
different  towns,  were  not  formerly  of  a  very  enduring  nature  ; 
consisting  ordinarily  of  a  cut  upon  a  tree,  a  stake,  or  a  heap 
of  stones  thrown  hastily  together.  This,  together  with  the 
indefiniteness  of  the  acts  of  incorporation,  often  made  it 
necessary  for  the  town  to  run  the  boundary  line  and  renew 
the  marks,  in  order  to  settle  disputes  between  this  and  the 
neighboring  towns,  and  secure  their  own  rightful  posses- 
sions. 

As  was  usually  the  case  in  the  first  settlement  of  the  coun- 
try, this  town  possessed  a  large  tract  of  undivided  land,  called 
THE  COMMON,  which  was  well  furnished  with  wood  and  pas- 
turing. Various  laws  were  passed  by  the  town  for  the  pre- 
servation of  the  wood  and  timber  thereon,  until  it  was  judged 
expedient  to  divide  it,  and  make  allotments  thereof  to  the 
several  inhabitants.  Upon  this  subject  the  following  order 
passed  : 

*  Town  Meeting  :  Nov.  20,  1694.  Voted,  That  ye  common  shall  be  di- 
vided :  bottom  and  top,  yt  is,  land  and  wood. 

'  Nov.  26.  Whereas  we  subscribers  are  I'equested  or  empowered  by  ye 
inhabitants  of  Maiden,  to  })rescribe  a  way  for  ye  dividing  of  ^^e  common, 
both  land  and  wood — we  considering  ye  generall  method  and  way  of  their 
raising  of  Town  charges  for  time  past. 

^  First — We  doe  adjug  there  be  a  committee  chose  of  indifferent  men  ; 
To  set  out  so  much  land  as  shall  be  for  perpetual  common  as  they  shall 
see  fit. 

'  Second — That  there  be  a  true  invoice  taken  of  every  true  proprietor's 
estate.  And  twenty  pounds  added  for  ye  heads  of  every  freeholder  ac- 
cording to  Town  vote,  whether  male  or  female. 

'  Thirdly — Then  for  ye  rest  of  ye  common  draw  lotts  for  equal  propor- 
tions, According  to  ye  invoice,  beginning  your  lots  at  ye  upper  end  of 
your  common,  next  Reding  ;  at  ye  southwest  corner,  and  so  run  down- 
wards in  two  divisions  or  more,  if  you  see  fit. 

'Maj.  William  Johnson, 
'  Capt.  John  Smith, 
'Capt.  John  Brown.' 

A  committee  of  seven  men  were  chosen  to  proceed  in  divid- 
ing the  common  according  to  this  direction.  They  were  to 
*  allow  two  polls  in  breadth  between  every  range  of  lots  for 
highways  ;'  and  every  lot  was  to  '  run  82  poles  in  length.'  It 
was  ordered,  that  this  committee  '  employ  an  artis  to  lay  out 
the  lots.  Every  proprietor  to  pay  his  proportion  of  charge  in 
money  ;'  else,  the  committee  were  empowered,  after  ten  days, 
to  sell  the  wood  and  timber  for  their  own  benefit. 

Also,  '  Every  proprietor's  name  to  be  written  distinctly,  and 
ye  lots  be  well  shuffled  together,  and  one  man  chose  by  the 
town  to  draw  them  out  of  a  bag.  The  first  name  drawn  to 
have  the  first  lot.' 


AnotJier  vote  was — '  Two  and  twenty  pence  per  day  is 
allowed  to  every  man  who  carries  the  chain.' 

Consequently,  this  common,  consisting  of  2000  acres,  to- 
gether with  another  tract,  denominated  '  the  sheep  pasture,^ 
containing  300  acres,  was  divided  among  the  inhabitants, 
comprising  74  freeholders,  and  the  boundaries  and  pasijage- 
ways  staked  out  agreeably  to  the  proposed  plan.  This  division 
was  effected  in  lf)95  ;  and  the  several  proprietors  receiving 
their  respective  allotments,  probably  proceeded  to  make  such 
improvement  of  their  land,  as  wisdom  and  prudence  dictated. 

No  occurrence  of  more  than  ordinary  interest  took  place  in 
the  town,  from  the  time  of  dividing  the  common  until  about 
the  year  1727. 

The  precise  period  of  erecting  the  first  meeting  house  is 
not  known.  But  that  one  existed  in  1682,  is  evident  from  a 
town  order  of  that  date,  which  provides,  '  That  the  meeting 
house  be  repaired  to  keep  out  the  weather,  and  save  the  sills 
from  rotting.'  At  this  time,  the  town  was  also  in  possession 
of  a  bell,  which  for  many  years  was  placed  upon  an  elevated 
rock,  termed  Bell  Rock.^  This  custom  of  locating  the  town's 
bell  upon  an  elevation  near  the  meeting  house,  obtained  very 
general  usage  among  the  early  settlers  ;  for  at  that  time  a 
turret  to  a  meeting  house  would  have  been  a  prodigy.  In- 
deed, in  most  towns  a  bell  would  have  been  a  luxury  un- 
thought  of.  The  usual  mode  of  notifying  the  people  of  the 
hour  for  worship,  and  other  public  occasions,  was  by  beating 
a  drum  up  and  down  the  streets. 

The  subsequent  increase  of  population  rendered  it  ne- 
cessary to  make  further  provision  for  the  accommodation  of 
persons  attending  public  worship.  Accordingly  an  order 
passed  in  1702,  'for  enlarging  the  meeting  house  by  cutting 
it  in  two  and  carrying  oft^  one  end  24  polls.'  An  addition 
was  to  be  made  in  the  middle.  The  expense  was  to  be  defray- 
ed by  a  free  contribution.  And  as  some  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Charlestown  attended  worship  in  this  house,  it  was 
provided,  *  That  if  our  Charlestown  neighbors  bring  in  the 
list  they  have  now  presented,  amounting  to  £30 ;  they  have 
the  liberty  to  come  into  said  meeting  house  and  hear  the 
word  of  God,  and  to  be  seated  by  a  committee.'!  ^^  '^  "^^  ^^^y 
to  determine  where  those  resided  who  are  termed  '  Charles- 
town neighbors;'  whether  they  were  inhabitants  of  the  north- 
ern extremities  of  Charlestown,  and  to  whom  Maiden  meeting 
house  was  nearer  than  that  of  their  own  town,  as  they  could 

*  Voted,  '  That  Samuel  Lewis  is  agreed  withal  to  ring  the  bell,  and  to  sweep 
the  meeting  house — for  which  he  is  to  have  £l  13s.  in  pay,  by  the  year.' 

+  It  was  an  early  custom  to  make  a  yearly  appropriation  of  pews  to  the  fami- 
lies attending  public  worship,  instead  of  selling  them,  as  is  now  practised. 


8 

easily  cross  the  ferry ;  or  whether  they  occupied  a  portion  of 
Charlestown,  which  afterwards  was  annexed  to  Maiden.  In 
1721,  '  It  was  put  to  vote  to  see  whether  this  town  will  join 
with  our  Charlestown  neighbors  in  petitioning  to  ye  Generall 
court,  for  their  coming  of  from  Charlestown,  to  be  one  Town- 
ship with  Maiden,  according  to  ye  warrant.  And  ye  vote  past 
on  the  affirmative.  And  That  is  all  yt  dwell  on  ye  north 
side  of  Mistick  river  up  to  Maiden  line,  and  from  Boston  line 
to  Medford  line.'  The  sum  of  £40  was  raised  by  the  town 
to  enlarge  the  meeting  house. 

Matters  relating  to  the  place  of  worship  appear  to  have 
gone  on  without  difficulty,  until  1727.  At  this  time  a  prop- 
osition was  brought  forward,  to  see  if  the  town  would  have 
two  meeting  houses ;  which  was  negatived.  An  attempt  was 
then  made  to  obtain  a  grant  of  money  from  the  town,  to  assist 
the  people  of  the  north  part  to  establish  preaching  in  the 
winter  season,  which  also  failed.  The  town  then  voted  to 
built  a  new  meeting  house. 

The  course  of  proceedings  now  before  the  town  did  not 
meet  general  approbation.  A  flame  of  contention  was  kin- 
dled up  between  the  inhabitants  of  the  north,  and  those  of 
the  south  part,  which  eventually  produced  a  serious  division 
of  the  community.  The  increase  of  population  in  the  north 
pan  of  the  town,  and  their  consequent  extension  still  more 
northerly,  doubtless,  seemed  to  them  a  sufficient  reason  for 
erecting  the  new  meeting  house  in  a  situation  approximating 
nearer  to  the  centre  of  the  town  than  the  old  one  was; — 
while  the  south  part,  from  long  practice,  had  become  attach- 
ed to  the  old  location  ;  and  feeling  a  repugnance  to  comply 
with  what  they  might  have  deemed  a  whim  of  their  neigh- 
bors, most  strenuously  persisted  in  their  first  views. 

In  March,  1727,  the  town  resolved  that  the  new  meeting 
house  should  be  set  upon  a  knoll,  on  the  northwest  of  Mr. 
Emerson's  orchard.  This  was  near  the  place  now  occupied 
as  the  parsonage.  The  old  meeting  house  was  near  the 
same  place.  Whether  or  not  the  inhabitants  in  the  north 
part  of  the  town  were  reasonable  in  their  request,  is  to  be 
decided  by  your  own  judgments. 

Subsequently,  this  vote  was  reconsidered,  and  another 
taken,  which  provided  said  house  should  be  fifty-five  feet  in 
length  and  forty-four  wide  ;  that  its  location  should  be  be- 
tween the  old  meeting  house  and  Bell  Rock,  which  was 
a  knoll  northwest  of  the  present  parsonage  ;  that  £500  be 
raised  to  defray  the  expense  of  building  ;  and  finally,  that  said 
house  should  stand  betweed  Lewis's  bridge  (the  bridge  which 
passes  over  the  tide  waters  in  the  centre  of  the  town  on 
Main  street)  and  the  pound  ;  (which  was  the  place  now  occu- 
pied by  the  brick  meeting  house.) 


At  this  stage  of  affairs,  an  aroused  spirit  came  forth  in  its 
strength  ;  and  if 

'Greek  meets  Greek,  then  comes  the  tug  of  war.' 

A  spirited  protest  was  made  against  the  proceedings  of  the 
town,  in  reconsidering  the  former  votes,  &c.  Three  differ- 
ent sites  were  now  in  view,  all  voted  for  by  the  town  ;  and 
who  was  to  turn  the  true  stone  ?  An  expedient  was  adop- 
ted :  the  north  part  of  the  town  were  to  choose  one  portion 
of  a  committee,  and  the  south  part  the  other  portion,  who 
were  to  settle  the  matter  ;  the  town  agreeing  to  abide  by  the 
decision.  But  how  hard  to  abide  by  decisions  which  come 
in  collision  with  settled  wishes  and  unbending  wills  !  The 
committee  decided,  and  the  town  refused  to  record  their  de- 
cision. This  measure  induced  the  inhabitants  on  the  north 
side  of  the  river,  to  enter  a  dissent  respecting  the  vote  against 
recording  the  decision,  signed  by  sixty  individuals. 

In  April,  1728,  the  town  voted  null  and  void  all  former 
proceedings  in  relation  to  building  a  meeting  house  ;  and 
then  resolved  to  erect  one  upon  some  land  belonging  to  the 
town,  near  the  old  meeting  house.  To  compensate  the  peo- 
ple living  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  a  grant  of  £10  was 
made  them,  to  procure  preaching  in  that  part  of  the  town 
after  the  new  meeting  house  should  be  built. 

To  this  course  of  proceedings,  sixty-one  individuals  entered 
a  protest;  and  when  it  was  resolved  to  raise  money  and  em- 
ploy workmen  to  build,  another  protest  was  entered.  In  1729, 
when  the  town  voted  to  accept  a  bargain  made  by  their  com- 
mittee, a  third  protest  was  recorded. 

The  tone  of  feeling  upon  this  subject  had  now  gained  a 
dizzy  elevation,  and  was  strongly  embittered  with  curdling 
acrimony.  But  the  south  part  of  the  town,  apparently  the 
majority,  evinced  some  little  relenting,  and  made  a  proposition 
to  build  the  house  half  way  between  the  arbitrated  place, 
and  the  old  location,  which  passed.  It  seems,  however,  that 
previous  to  this  the  General  Court  had  ratified  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  committee  of  arbitration  ;  and  it  was  voted  to 
petition  for  an  annulment  of  this  ;  leaving  it  optional  with 
that  body  to  send  an  agent  to  settle  the  affair,  or  suffer  it  to 
be  decided  by  a  majority  of  the  inhabitants.  The  brethren 
of  the  north  could  not  agree  to  this  course,  and  to  the  num- 
ber of  sixty-four  presented  a  dissent;  in  which  they  said,  that 
they  deemed  the  movements  of  the  other  party  as  presumptu- 
ous, and  going  to  despise  the  authority  of  the  General  Court. 
The  records  do  not  give  a  definite  account  of  the  final  results 
of  this  warfare  of  opinion;  but  from  a  record  of  J 730,  it 
appears  that  the  order  of  the  court  was  obeyed,  and  that  the 
inhabitants  of  the  north  obtained  their  wish.  This  record  is 
2 


10 

a  protest  made  by  that  portion  of  the  town  against  a  motion 
to  stand  a  trial  with  the  person  who  built  the  house  ;  in  which 
it  is  said  that  they  dissent  from  said  course,  because  they 
"  think  it  very  unreasonable  to  set  a  man  to  work  and  not  to 
pay  him  his  wages,  but  put  him  under  the  necessity  to  sue  for 
his  wages.'  And  also — that  they  'were  willing  to  pay  their 
full  part.'  These  were  very  good  reasons,  surely ;  and  had 
they  obtained  their  due  weight,  would  have  saved  the  oppos- 
ing party  the  expense,  as  well  as  the  chagrin,  of  a  defeat  in 
a  lawsuit,  which  was  had,  and  resulted  against  them.  After 
this,  it  was  agreed  to  pay  the  sum  due,  sell  the  old  house, 
and  meet  in  the  new  one  '  to  carry  on  the  worship  of  God  for 
the  future.' 

For  many  long  months  had  this  cloud  of  discontent  lowered 
around  the  community,  harassing  and  perplexing  our  good 
fathers,  when  it  was  measurably  dissipated  by  the  last  men- 
tioned agreement  to  worship  together.  But  whether  recip- 
rocal kindness  and  brotherly  unanimity  took  an  universal 
possession  of  all  hearts ;  or  whether  the  breach  so  long  in 
existence,  was  only  partially  repaired,  and  the  spirit  of  irre- 
conciliation  but  smothered  for  a  while,  does  not  plainly  ap- 
pear from  the  records.  However,  in  1736,  a  spirit  of  disaf- 
fection arising  either  from  the  former  cause  or  some  new 
grievance,  made  its  appearance.  At  this  time,  a  petition 
was  presented  by  a  number  of  individuals,  praying  to  beset 
off  into  a  distinct  parish,  by  the  bounds  mentioned  in  their 
petition.  Probably  about  this  time  the  petitioners  for  a  new 
parish,  erected  a  house  of  worship  in  the  south  part  of  the 
town,  upon  the  pleasant  elevation  east  of  Maiden  bridge,  on 
the  Newburyport  turnpike,  known  as  ^  JVelson  hill,^  and  in- 
stituted and  carried  on  public  worship  therein.  For  in  the 
same  year,  a  proposition  was  before  the  town,  respecting  the 
payment  of  the  salaries  of  the  two  ministers,  equally  alike,  by 
a  town  rate,  but  it  was  not  accepted. 

Whether  the  petitioners,  before  mentioned,  ever  obtained 
their  request  to  become  a  distinct  parish,  with  the  privilege 
of  improving  their  portion  of  the  ministerial  funds,  does  not 
ofRcially  appear.  But  it  is  apparent  that  they  met  as  such, 
and  were  thus  recognised,  in  effect,  at  least,  by  the  town,  for 
a  number  of  years.  In  1775,  a  committee  of  the  north  parish 
was  appointed  to  meet  a  committee  of  the  south,  '  to  dis- 
course together,  and  to  consider  what  may  be  done  that  might 
be  thought  to  be  a  proper  means  to  unight  both  parishes,  so 
as  that  they  might  be  one  again,  and  carry  on  the  worship  of 
God  together.' 

But  whatever  these  worthies  might  have  proposed  and  dis- 
coursed upon,  their  attempts  to  bring  about  a  reconciliation, 
were  undoubtedly  useless.     It  was  not  until  1792,  that  an 


11 

union  was  effected.  The  parties  then  met,  broke  down  the 
dividing  wall,  and  embraced  as  brethren.  The  conditional 
pledge  of  union  was,  that  the  brethren  from  the  soutli  j)arisli 
should  not  be  taxed  for  repairs  upon  the  meeting  house;  and 
when  a  new  one  should  be  built,  both  old  houses  should  be 
considered  the  property  of  the  town. 

Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  one  of  the  ministers  of  the  town  during 
this  period,  very  feelingly  notices  the  dissensions  with  which 
the  town  was  afflicted,  in  a  sermon  preached  in  1735.  lie 
speaks  of  them  as  'unhappy  things  that  have  eaten  and  de- 
voured, in  a  great  measure,  their  time,  interest,  comfort,  love 
and  charity.'  Happy  would  it  be  if  no  communities  since 
that  day  had  been  obliged  to  take  up  the  same  lamentation. 

The  mode  of  providing  for  the  proper  care  and  regulation 
of  the  meeting  house  in  primitive  times,  can  be  learned  from 
one  or  two  extracts  from  the  records. 

In  1697,  it  was  voted  to  employ  a  man  to  '  ring  the  bell, 
and  to  sweep,  and  see  to  the  meeting  house  for  this  year,  and 
to  have  for  his  paines,  £2,  13s.;  he  also  to  have  3s.  to  dig 
graves.' 

In  1684,  an  order  passed  in  the  following  words: 

*At  a  meeting  of  ye  selectmen,  for  ye  regulation  of  Disorder  in  ye 
meeting  house  on  ye  Lord's  day,  by  boys  and  youths  playing,  it  is  ordered 
by  ye  selectmen,  that  all  householders  and  masters  of  families  in  this  town 
shall  take  their  turns  successively,  every  Lord's  day,  below  and  in  the 
galleries.' 

This  order  was  not  at  all  too  puritanic  ;  and  it  would  be  well 
for  some  congregations  at  the  present  day,  if  they  had  as  wise 
law-makers,  or  as  thorough  law-executors. 

In  1675  and  1677,  the  General  Court  passed  several  laws, 
founded  upon  the  system  of  Alfred  the  Great,  designing  there- 
by a  better  regulation  of  society,  and  a  promotion  of  sound 
morals.  These  laws  directed  an  appointment  of  tythmgmen 
in  each  town,  who  were  to  have  the  inspection  of  ten  or 
twelve  families,  and  to  prosecute  for  all  transgressions  of  the 
laws  within  their  tythings  or  districts.  Record  is  made  of 
their  appointment  in  this  town  as  early  as  1678.  There  were 
two  tythings  in  the  town,  the  north  and  south.  It  was  the 
duty  of  a  tythingman  to  enforce  the  laws  respecting  the  Sab- 
bath, licensed  houses,  the  use  of  spirituous  liquors,  and  to  see 
that  no  person  was  away  from  home  after  nine  o'clock  at 
night.  How  well  they  discharged  the  duties  of  their  office, 
the  unruly  who  fell  within  their  grasp,  would  probably  be  the 
best  judges. 

During  the  excitement  which  prevailed  in  relation  to  the 
meeting  house,  the  minds  of  the  people  were  alarmed  by  a 
sudden  and  strange  visitation.  In  1736,  a  most  alarming  dis- 
ease prevailed  in  the  town,  affecting  especially  the  children. 


n 


f^rt—^ 


In  the  midst  of  this  pestilence  the  inhabitants  cried  out — '  Be- 
hold !  The  Lord  hath  created  a  new  thing  in  the  midst  of  us.* 
*  It  is  a  very  strange  punishment  that  he  is  inflicting  upon  us.' 
This  disease  was  styled  the  '  throat  distemper.'  Its  peculiar 
nature  I  am  unable  to  describe ;  it  seems,  however,  to  have 
been  quite  contagious  as  well  as  painful  in  its  march.  Forty 
died  in  the  town  from  the  beginning  of  July  to  the  20th  of  Oc- 
tober. Two  families  buried  three  ;  two  others  four  each  ;  and 
one  family  five.  Many  others  who  were  afflicted  with  it  re- 
covered. The  exact  period  of  its  rage,  or  the  number  of  its 
victims,  are  not  within  the  range  of  my  knowledge. 

It  is  almost  impossible  to  gain  an  accurate  knowledge  of 
the  ecclesiastical  concerns  of  any  of  our  towns.  Records  of 
this  nature  were  not  kept ;  or  if  so,  they  have  been  destroyed, 
perhaps,  in  the  commotions  which  have  shaken  almost  every 
community,  or  have  mouldered  away  in  the  lapse  of  years. 
What  could  be  collected  from  our  own  records  upon  this 
subject  will  follow. 

The  former  inhabitants  of  the  town  were  strenuous,  (as 
were  their  brethren  in  other  places,)  in  supporting  the  public 
worship  of  God  ;  deeming  this  essential  to  the  peace  and 
well-being  of  any  community  ;  believing  also,  that  it  was  the 
duty  of  every  individual  to  assist  in  defraying  the  expense  of 
supporting  the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  It  will  not  here  be 
contended  that  the  course  they  pursued  in  raising  the  neces- 
sary means  for  accomplishing  this  object  was  the  wisest  that 
might  have  been  adopted,  since  more  modern  systems  have 
settled  the  question ;  but  it  doubtless  seemed  to  them  to  be 
right ;  and  it  becomes  us  not  to  judge  them,  lest  after  gener- 
ations should  mete  out  to  us  the  same  measure. 

An  early  vote  of  the  town  provides  that  '  every  person 
above  21  years  be  rated  at  3s.  a  piece  for  the  ministry.'  This 
assessment  was  afterwards  increased. 

It  was  a  general  custom  throughout  New  England,  as  early 
as  1660,  or  J  670,  for  each  town  to  own  a  portion  of  land,  &c. 
for  the  use  of  the  minister.  The  town  of  Maiden  made  a 
purchase  for  this  purpose  in  1679,  on  the  following  conditions  : 

'  The  Towne  is  to  pay  Mr.  Blackm,  or  his  order,  at  ye  said  House  in 
this  Towne,  the  sum  of  £125;  whereof  £65  to  be  in  money,  and  to  be 
paid  in  manner  following  namely,  £30  in  neat  cattle,  not  exceeding  eight 
years  old,  ye  beginning  of  June  next,  and  £32,  10s.  money  by  ye  middle 
of  July  next,  and  £82,  10s.  money,  and  £30  in  Indian  Corne  the  twenty- 
fifth  day  of  March  1G80.' 

The  purchase  thus  made,  together  with  some  grants  of  land 
in  other  parts  of  the  town,  constituted  what  was  termed  the 
parsonage.  Several  acres  of  land  were  also  given  to  the 
town  by  the  General  Court,  lying  partly  in  Worcester  and 
partly  in  Shrewsbury. 


13 

With  this  provision,  our  fathers  did  not  deem  it  necessary 
that  their  minister's  salary  should  be  adecjuatc  to  enrich  them 
as  princes,  but  as  all-sullicicnt  to  their  comfort.  In  1097,  the 
salary  of  the  minister  amounted  to  £50  a  year,  witli  a  free 
gift  of  thirty-five  cords  of  wood  drawn  to  his  door.  The 
manner  of  obtaining  the  wood,  was  by  making  a  just  propor- 
tion to  each  freeholder;  and  if  he  failed  of  f)erforming  his 
part,  within  a  given  time,  he  forfeited  double  the  amount  of 
his  proportion.  This  continued  to  be  the  salary  and  practice 
of  the  town  for  a  series  of  years;  and  it  was  not  until  1708, 
that  the  salary  was  raised  to  £60  :  and  some  years  afterwards 
increased  to  £63. 

The  manner  of  paying  what  was  termed  the  *  minister 
rate,'  was  regulated  by  a  town  order  to  this  effect : 

'That  each  person's  rate  should  he  wrapped  up  in  a  paper,  and  the 
name  of  the  person  written  on  the  paper,  and  put  in  the  box  ;  and  all  the 
naked  money  should  he  counted  as  strangers'  money.' 

This  'strangers'  money'  was  what  was  contributed  by  indi- 
viduals who  attended  meeting,  but  who  did  not  belong  to  the 
town  ;  and  this  money  was  sometimes  appropriated  to  the  use 
of  the  town,  and  sometimes  given  to  the  minister. 

A  century  and  a  half  ago  the  people  were  generally  united 
in  one  religious  faith,  and  the  minister  was  considered  the 
minister  of  the  town.  Who  officiated  in  this  capacity  at  the 
first  establishment  of  a  church  in  this  place,  I  cannot  ascer- 
tain. In  1678,  the  name  of  a  Mr.  Blackman  occurs  in  the 
records,  respecting  some  transactions  between  him  and  the 
town  relating  to  his  removing,  from  which  I  infer  that  he  w^as 
then  the  minister.  In  1680  mention  is  made  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Cheever  as  minister ;  but  it  does  not  appear  how  long  he 
resided  here.  Rev.  Michael  WigglesworWs  name  is  first 
mentioned  in  an  order  appointing  'the  officers  of  cutters  and 
drawers  of  wood  for  him,'  in  1692.  A  Mr.  Metcalfe,  together 
with  a  Mr.  Barnard,  were  candidates  for  a  settlement  here 
soon  after  Mr.  Wigglesworth's  death.  In  the  same  year  the 
people  elected  Mr.  Jeremiah  Wise,  and  also  a  Rev.  Mr. 
Corvin. 

After  this  repeated  attempts  were  made  to  obtain  a  pastor  • 
and  proposals  were  made  to  Rev.  Peter  Thacher,  Mr.  Clap] 
Mr.  JVath.  Googen,  Mr.  Tufts,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Parsons. 
The  pulpit  was  supplied,  during  this  time,  by  diffi^rent  per- 
sons, while  the  parsonage  remained  in  the  occupancy  of  Mrs. 
Wigglesworth.  In  1708,  Mr.  David  Parsons,  was  elected 
and  settled,  though  not  without  some  disapprobation.  The 
particular  situation  of  the  church  and  parish  at  this  time 
cannot  be  learned  from  the  records;  but  it  is  evident  that  all 
hearts  did  not  vibrate  in  unison.  At  the  time  of  Mr.  Parsons' 
election,  '  a  committee  was  appointed  to  present  a  petition  to 


14 

the  General  Court,  concerning  an  order  of  the  Quarter  Ses- 
sions, respecting  Mr.  'J'homas  Tufts.'  Also,  twelve  men  en- 
tered the  following  protest  against  the  vote  of  the  town. 

'  We  above  named,  doe  enter  our  desent  against  your  proceedings  this 
day,  because  we  doe  consider  it  as  a  contemte  of  autiiority,  and  ve  doe 
thinke  we  are  not  abel  to  maintain  two  ministers  at  once.' 

Mr.  Parsons  officiated  until  1721,  when  he  left,  and  Rev. 
Joseph  Emerson  was  settled,  and  continued  here  in  the  min- 
istry until  his  death,  in  1767. 

Rev.  Peter  Thacher  became  the  minister  in  1770.  In 
1784  he  obtained  a  dismission,  in  order  to  assume  the  office 
of  pastor  in  the  Brattle  street  church,  in  Boston.  The  Brat- 
tle street  church  gave  this  town  £300,  or  $1000,  in  order  to 
procure  Mr.  Thacher's  release. 

In  1787,  Rev.  Monirum  Judson,  (father  to  the  Baptist 
foreign  missionary  of  that  name,)  was  settled  in  this  town. 

In  1792,  Rev.  Eliakim  JVillis,  formerly  of  the  south  parish, 
became  minister  of  the  united  parishes.  In  1795,  Rev. 
Aa7'on  Green  was  ordained  colleague  pastor  with  Mr.  Willis. 
Mr.  Willis  died  in  1801,  and  Mr.  Green  was  dismissed  in  1827. 

Nothing  can  be  said  concerning  the  former  ministers  of  the 
town;  save  a  brief  history,  which  I  have  been  able  to  gather 
from  several  fragments,  of  Rev.  Mr.  Wigglesworth,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Emerson. 

Rev.  Michael  Wigglesworth  was  a  popular  minister  in 
the  times  in  which  he  lived,  being  cotemporary  with  the  famous 
Cotton  Mather.  *  Mr.  Wigglesworth^  was  educated  at  Har- 
vard College,  from  which  institution,  he  received  his  degree 
of  Bachelor  of  Arts,  in  1651,  soon  after  entering  upon  the 
twentieth  year  of  his  age.  Having  completed  his  theological 
studies,  he  was  ordained  minister  of  the  church  in  Maiden. 
Respected  in  the  pulpit  for  his  modest,  though  lucid  and  en- 
ergetic exposition  of  the  scriptures  ;  esteemed  in  the  social 
circle  for  the  suavity  of  his  manners,  and  beloved  by  very  many 
to  whom,  in  their  youth,  he  had  been  the  faithful  friend  and 
counsellor,  it  was  with  deep  regret  that  he  yielded  to  the 
necessity  which  demanded  his  temporary  separation  from  the 
people  who  had  committed  themselves  to  his  spiritual 
guidance  and  direction,  and  with  whom  he  was  linked  by 
ties  of  the  most  tender  affection.  The  hand  of  disease  was 
upon  him,  and  its  blighting  influence  could  be  successfully 
resisted  only  under  a  milder  sky  than  that  of  his  own  'Hew 
England.  A  partial  restoration  to  health  enabled  him  to  re- 
sume his  station  at  Maiden,  though  ever  after  he  was  fre- 
quently obliged  to  desist,  for  weeks  in  succession,   from  the 

*  For  this  sketch  of  Mr.  Wigglesworth,  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Kettel,  who  has 
given  it  in  one  of  his  volumes  of '  Specimens  of  American  Poetry.' 


15 

active  duties  of  the  profession.  But  these  intervals  were  not 
misspent.  He  devoted  them  to  medical  researches;  and  the 
needy  found  him  as  ready  in  im|)arting  liis  skill  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  wasted  frame,  as  he  had  been  in  affording  relief  to 
the  mind  oppressed  with  grief,  or  cast  down  by  disappoint- 
ment.' 

Mr.  Wigglesworth  was  a  poet.  And  *  when  the  weakness 
of  his  lungs  disqualified  him  for  preaching,  he  would  strive, 
with  his  pen  to  render  truth  attractive,  by  investing  her  with 
the  garb  of  poesy.'  His  compositions,  to  bo  sure,  would  not 
vie  with  the  smooth  flowing  measure  of  the  poetry  of  the 
present  age  ;  but  '  they  contributed,  nevertlieless,  mainly  to 
the  formation  of  that  character  for  unbending  integrity,  and 
firmness  of  resolve,  for  which  we  almost  venerate  the  old 
men  who  laid  the  foundations  of  our  republic' 

'  "The  Day  of  Doom,"  is  the  title  of  Mr.  Wigglesworth's 
largest  poem.  It  went  through  six  editions  in  this  country,  and 
was  republished  in  London.  It  comprises  a  version,  after  the 
manner  of  Sternhold  and  Hopkins,  of  all  the  scripture  texts 
relative  to  the  final  judgment  of  man,  and  contains  224 
stanzas  of  8  lines  each.'  Mr.  Wigglesworth  died  in  1705.  at 
the  age  of  74.  Cotton  Mather  wrote  his  funeral  sermon  and 
epitaph.     The  following  is  his  epitaph. 

EPITAPH. 

The  excellent  Wigglesworlh  remembered  hy  some  good  tokens. 
His  pen  did  once  meat  from  the  eater  fetch  ; 
And  now  he's  gone  heyond  the  eater's  reach. 
His  body  once  so  thin  was  next  to  none ; 
From  hence  he's  to  unbodied  spirits  flown. 
Once  his  rare  skill  did  all  diseases  heal ; 
And  he  does  nothing  now  uneasy  feel. 
He  to  his  paradise  is  joyful  come. 
And  waits  with  joy  to  see  his  Day  of  Doom.' 

Rev.  Joseph  Emerson  was  ordained  minister  of  the  town 
in  1721  ;  and  labored  here  until  1767,  when  he  died,  at  the 
age  of  67.     The  following  record  is  made  of  his  death. 

'The  Rev.  Joseph  Emerson,  consort  to  Mrs.  Mary  Emerson,  who  had 
been  in  the  Judgment  of  charity  a  faithfull  minister  here,  and  that  for  the 
space  of  forty  and  five  years,  deceased  in  the  evening  of  the  13  day  of 
July,  1767,  very  soon  after  lying  down  to  sleep,  who  was  cheerly  and  in 
health  before.' 

Soon  after  his  death,  his  son,  then  minister  at  Pepperell, 
preached  a  sermon  upon  the  occasion,  before  the  congrega- 
tion with  whom  Mr.  Emerson  had  labored,  in  which  he  thus 
speaks  of  him.  '  It  pleased  the  sovereign  spirit  of  God,  early, 
very  early,  to  sow  the  seeds  of  grace  in  his  heart.  By  a 
blessing  upon  the  endeavors  of  his  parents,  he  might  be  said 
to  fear  the  Lord  from  his  youth.  If  I  do  not  misremember, 
he  was  able  to  pray  in  the  family,  in  the  absence  of  my  grand- 


16 

father,  before  he  was  eight  years  of  age  to  the  edification  and 
astonishment  of  those  who  attended  on  the  exercises  of  the 
family.  He  was  admitted  into  college,  when  he  had  but 
little  more  than  finished  his  thirteenth  year.  He  began  to 
preach  to  general  acceptance  before  he  was  eiofhteen.  He 
was  but  about  twenty-two  at  the  time  of  his  ordination  ;  and 
he  continued  here  for  forty-five  years,  without  being  taken 
off  from  his  public  labors,  but  two  Sabbaths.' 

Mr.  Emerson's  labors,  both  public  and  private,  were  quite 
abundant.  He  zealously  inculcated  practical  piety,  as  the 
basis  of  all  happiness.  His  efforts  were  attended  with  suc- 
cess ;  and  he  was  beloved  and  esteemed  by  all  who  knew 
him.  Though  an  extensive  division  of  the  parish  took  place 
during  his  ministry,  he  was  not  reproached  by  any  as  being 
the  cause.  His  character  may  be  emphatically  comprised  in 
the  language  of  his  son: — 'He  was  a  Boanerges,  a  son  of 
thunder,  to  the  workers  of  iniquity  ;  a  Barnabas,  a  son  of 
consolation,  to  the  mourners  in  Zion.' 

The  style  of  Mr.  Emerson's  preaching  was  in  accordance 
with  that  of  his  time.  Several  of  his  discourses  upon  particular 
occasions  were  published,  and  obtained  considerable  circu- 
lation. Seven  sons  and  three  daughters  followed  him  to  the 
grave. 

Rev.  Peter  Thacher  was  a  minister  of  very  popular  tal- 
ents and  his  removal  from  the  town  was  a  circumstance  very 
much  to  be  regretted. 

Rev.  Eltakim  Willis  long  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  es- 
teem of  both  parishes;  and  was  a  sound  and  solid  supporter 
of  that  system  of  faith  which  he  advocated. 

The  town  early  made  provision  for  schools,  though  very 
limited  when  compared  with  the  extended  operations  of  the 
present  day.  The  system  which  they  adopted  was  varied 
according  to  circumstances.  Sometimes  the  town  selected 
the  school  master,  and  at  other  times  empowered  the  select- 
men to  make  a  selection.  Probably  a  school  was  kept  in 
town  prevous  to  1691,  although  no  record  of  the  choice  of  a 
teacher  is  made  until  that  date.  The  school  at  this  period 
and  for  some  years  afterwards  was  kept  in  a  private  house,  or 
in  a  building  termed  the  watchhouse. 

In  1702,  'John  Spragiie  was  appointed  school  master  for  the  year  in- 
suing,  to  learn  children  and  youth  to  Read  and  Wright ;  and  to  Refme- 
tick,  according  to  his  best  skill ;  And  he  is  to  have  £10  paid  him  by  the 
town  for  his  pains.  The  school  is  to  be  kept  for  all  ye  inhabitants  of  ye 
town,  and  to  be  kept  at  four  severall  places,  at  four  severall  times,  one 
quarter  of  a  year  in  a  place.' 

An  itinerating  school  would  be  quite  a  novelty  at  the  present 
day. 

The  school  was  in  the  charge  of  different  teachers  at  dif- 
ferent times.     Grants  of  money  from  205.  to  £3  per  annum, 


i 


17 

with  the  benefit  of  the  scholars,  were  made  by  the  town, 
leaving  the  teacher  to  fix  the  price  of  tuition  upon  each 
scholar,  until  the  free  school  system  came  into  operation,  and 
opened  an  etfectual  door  for  general  instruction. 

A  history  of  these  musters  of  the  '  ferule  and  the  birch' 
of  ancient  days,  would  unquestionably  be  interesting.  No 
doubt  many  an  unruly  urchin  has  turned  pale  and  clenched 
his  chattering  teeth,  beneath  the  knitted  brow  and  the  flash- 
ing eye  of  his  schoolmaster,  who  in  after  years  would  stand 
nnquailed  amidst  the  thundering  of  cannon  and  the  death 
groan  of  the  fallen.  Many  of  those  who  were  employed  as 
teachers  figured  also  in  the  affairs  of  the  town  ;  and  they 
could  measure  land,  hold  the  plough,  or  handle  the  axe,  with 
as  much  skill  as  many  a  more  modern  master  can  his  gram- 
mar or  arithmetic.  But  their  history  cannot  be  given.  They 
have  gone  to  the  dead,  together  with  their  pupils,  and  their 
names,  registered  upon  the  yellow  pages  of  a  time-worn 
record,  is  all  that  tells  what  they  w^ere. 

Concerning  one  who  held  this  responsible  station  in  more 
recent  times,  a  brief  notice  has  been  gathered  from  some 
who  hold  him  in  their  thoughts,  as  one  would  hold  a  trace  of 
memory  over  which  the  rude  march  of  time  has  been  for 
fourscore  years.  This  is  the  '  good  old  master  JVathaniel 
Jenkins.^ 

Mr.  Jenkins  was  elected  to  office  in  1751,  and  filled  his 
station  with  great  propriety  and  dignity,  a  long  series  of  years. 
His  occupation  was  that  of  a  shoemaker;  but  the  guardians 
of  the  town,  discovering  in  him  some  qualifications  necessary 

'  To  teach  the  young  idea  how  to  shoot,' 
earnestly  solicited  him  to  accept  the  office  of  schoolmaster. 
He  hesitated  at  first  ;  but  his  health  being  rather  inefficient 
for  the  performance  of  his  ordinary  business,  he  concluded  to 
acquiesce  in  the  proposal.  To  prepare  himself  for  his  voca- 
tion, he  entered  as  a  pupil  to  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  for  about  a 
year;  in  which  time  he  obtained  a  knowledge  of  the  langua- 
ges, and  being  approved  by  several  clergymen,  he  entered 
with  zeal,  upon  the  performance  of  the  duties  of  a  schoolmas- 
ter. He  is  represented  as  a  pious  and  useful  man  ;  though, 
in  his  school,  making  quite  a  free  use  of  his  corrective  powers. 
He  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  people  ;  and  at 
his  death,  left  a  name  ever  to  be  praised — that  of  a  good  man. 

In  former  years,  the  town  was  without  those  humane  regu- 
lations which  after  times  have  adopted,  in  relation  to  the 
poor.  It  was  once  the  custom  to  support  paupers  by  dispos- 
ing of  them  to  the  lowest  bidder.  It  is  hard  to  reconcile  this 
procedure  with  sound  policy;  and  however  well  the  poor  might 
3 


18 

be  provided  for,  this  practice  has  at  least  the  appearance  of 
cruelty.  And  who  would  relish  the  idea  of  being  disposed  of 
by  the  hammer  of  the  auctioneer,  when  hoary  hairs,  and 
withered  limbs,  and  chill  penury,  had  disabled  him  from  pro- 
curing a  maintenance  ? 

The  first  mention  of  a  plan  to  alter  the  condition  of  town 
paupers,  is  contained  in  a  proposition  which  was  laid  before 
the  town,  to  unite  with  Cambridge,  Medford,  Woburn  and 
Reading,  in  building  an  alms-house,  in  1753.  This  plan  did 
not  gain  acceptance.  But  soon  after,  the  town  made  provis- 
ion for  the  establishment  and  occupancy  of  an  alms-house. 

The  following  extract  is  worthy  of  a  place  in  connection 
w4th  this  subject  ; 

*  On  a  Thanksgiving  Day,  was  £4  3s.  8d.  money  collected  by  a  free 
contribution,  and  committed  unto  the  hands  of  ye  Town  Treasurer,  Ed- 
ward Sprague,  Esq,  or  his  succesor ;  and  to  be  disposed  of  by  order  from 
the  selectmen,  for  the  use  of  the  poor  of  this  town.  Date  ye  23  of  Feb 
1696-7.' 

This  record  ought  to  be  preserved  and  repeated  upon  every 
like  occasion,  as  an  example  of  kind  and  benevolent  remem- 
brance of  the  children  of  misfortune.  And  though  you  may 
not  be  called  upon  for  a  '  free  contribution  of  money,'  you 
should  as  freely  give  of  the  abundance  of  the  delicacies  which 
an  indulgent  Providence  has  enabled  you  to  provide  for  your- 
selves, to  those  who  this  day  may  be  found  with  nothing  but 
the  cold  comfort  of  poverty. 

The  following  record,  showing  the  rate  of  taxation  in  1796, 
may  not  be  uninteresting  : 

*  Oxen  and  horses  at  3d.  per.  head  ;  cows,  2  l-2d. ;  three  years  old,  2  ; 
two  yearlings,  1  penny  ;  sheep,  £4  the  score  ;  plow  land  and  medo,  1 
penny  per.  acre ;  pasture  land,  1-2  penny  ;  housing  by  estimation.' 

There  were  one  hundred  and  sixteen  taxable  persons  in 
1757,  according  to  an  invoice  taken  at  that  time ;  and  the 
highest  assessment,  including  polls,  rents,  estate  and  faculty, 
was  £7  9s.  6d. 

The  following  extract  will  show  the  value  of  some  articles 
a  century  since  : 

*  An  account  of  sundry  necessaries  provided  for  Bethial  Wilkinson,  by 
the  selectmen  of  Maiden,  April  the  ninth  day  1733. 

'to  one  pair  of  tow  Sheets,  £1  10s.  0  to  one  pair  of  shoes  £00  12s.  0 
to  one  apron  and  hankerchief  £00  9s.  6d.  To  a  Petty  coat  and  making 
£00  15s.  00.  To  two  caps  and  makeing  £00  6s.  00.  To  two  cotton  and 
lining  Shifts  £1  10s.  3d.  The  aforesaid  clothing  purchased  by  the  five 
pounds  UiOney  which  insign  Joseph  lynde  paid  for  the  yuse  of  the  town 
of  Maiden  when  chosen  constable  excepting  2  sliillings  and  9  pence  worth 
of  said  things  entered  by  order  of  the  selectmen.' 


19 

At  this  age  of  tlic  world,  men  did  not  buy  offices  ;  but 
paid  to  get  rid  of  them.  The  world  has  surely  undergone  a 
most  remarkable  change  since  that  time. 

Having  consumed  so  much  time  upon  some  facts  and  cir- 
cumstances embraced  in  the  early  history  of  the  town,  and 
yet  having  but  glanced  at  a  few  prominent  features,  we  pass 
to  some  interesting  incidents  of  a  later  date. 

That  unjust  and  ill-timed  measure,  the  infamous  Stamp 
Act,  which  Great  Britain  laid  upon  her  North  American  col- 
onies, was  the  power  that  first  struck  the  chords  of  American 
hearts,  and  caused  a  vibration,  which,  tfiough  it  broke  forth  at 
first  in  the  low,  half  stifled  moan  of  '  Slavery  .''  ultimately 
swelled  to  the  echoing  voice  of  '  Freedom  /'  and  sounded  even 
to  the  uttermost  verge  of  the  continent.  The  inhabitants  of 
this  town,  as  well  as  their  friends  and  countrymen  in  other 
places,  had  always  manifested  their  attachment  to  the  '  pow- 
ers that  be,'  and  were  still  ready  to  support  their  well  be- 
stowed title  of  loyality,  with  unremitting  zeal,  so  long  as  the 
conduct  of  the  mother  country  deserved  their  countenance. 
At  an  early  period  of  the  disturbance  and  disquietude  of  the 
colonies,  our  citizens  sought  every  laudable  means  to  bring 
about  a  just  and  equitable  reconciliation.  They  were  repre- 
sented in  the  General  C.'ourt,  and  to  their  representative  they 
gave  such  instructions  as  in  their  deliberate  judgments  they 
deemed  suited  to  the  emergency.  They  felt  their  own  weak- 
ness, and  the  strength  of  their  bond  of  allegiance  to  their 
sovereign,  and  they  would  not  rashly  put  forth  a  hand  to  sever 
the  ties  that  bound  these  infent  colonies  to  the  mother  coun- 
try. Therefore,  they  imposed  upon  their  representative  the 
imperious  duty  of  supporting,  maintaining  and  defending  his 
most  sacred  majesty  ;  yet  inflexibly  to  resist  all  oppressive 
measures ;  manfully  to  repel  all  infringements  upon  those 
rights  with  which  the  God  of  nature  had  invested  man  ;  and 
resolutely  to  contend  for  American  rights  and  American  priv- 
ileges. 

When  it  was  found  that  liberty  must  be  obtained  by  force 
of  arms  and  shedding  of  blood,  the  noble  hearts  of  our 
fathers  were  strongly  nerved  for  victory  or  death.  Delibera- 
tions now  increased  in  number  and  in  interest.  In  1776,  the 
citizens  adopted  the  spirited  resolutions,  in  concert  with  many 
other  towns,  concerning  the  memorable  tea  act ;  and  evinced 
not  only  a  readiness  to  resolve,  but  also  a  firmness  to  act  in 
every  measure  calculated  to  preserve  and  perpetuate  their 
birthright  of  freedom. 

When  every  attempt  to  remove  the  galling  yoke  of  oppres- 
sion had  failed  of  success,  and  the  shrill  notes  of  war  began 


20 

to  resound  along  the  valleys  and  over  the  hill  tops  of  New 
England,  our  town  assumed  a  most  interesting  aspect.  In 
retrospect,  imagination  would  portray  our  forefathers  as  laying 
aside  their  honest  and  peaceful  vocations;  forgetting  the  en- 
dearments of  home,  save  that  that  home  must  he  free  to  render 
it  dear;  and  girding  on  the  implements  of  war,  and  going  forth 
in  the  matchless  strength  of  injured  rights  and  privileges,  to 
wrest  from  the  grasp  of  tyranny,  that  boon  which  heaven 
itself  had  not  a  right  to  subvert.  But  our  limits  will  not  per- 
mit us  to  dwell  upon  this  spirit-inspiring  era,  as  we  could 
wish.  Our  hearts  would  glow  with  dehght  could  we  reiterate 
the  patriotic  instructions  which  were  given  to  the  Maiden 
representative,  at  different  periods  during  this  commotion,  as 
well  as  the  true-hearted  pledges  the  inhabitants  gave  each 
other,  to  defend  their  rights  to  the  last  extremity;  but  we  can 
only  glance  at  these  scenes. 

While  the  crisis  gradually  drew  on,  our  ancestors  were  not 
inactive  in  preparation.  They  provided  for  the  approaching 
emergency,  by  appointing  a  committee  of  safety ;  organiz- 
ing an  alarm  list,  or  body  of  minute  men  ;  frequently  calling 
out  the  militia  ;  and  keeping  a  constant  guard  at  arms.  With 
an  eagle  eye  they  viewed  the  movements  of  the  invading 
forces  ;  and  in  anxious  suspense,  awaited  the  signal  to  repel 
aggression.  On  the  eve  of  the  battle  of  Lexington,  the  cry 
of  'The  regulars  have  gone  to  Concord!  up  and  to  arms!' 
— broke  in  upon  the  midnight  slumbers  of  the  people,  as  it 
echoed  far  away  through  street  and  lane.  The  rallying  point 
was  soon  gained  ;  and  the  militia,  under  Capt.  Benj.  Blaney, 
commenced  their  march  to  Concord  ;  while  the  alarm  list, 
comprising  about  sixty  men,  under  Capt.  Nayler  Hatch, 
repaired  to  Beacham's  point.  Capt.  Hatch's  company  remain- 
ed at  their  station  during  the  day,  and  returning  to  town  at 
night,  a  number  requested  leave  to  go  to  Concord;  and  be- 
fore morning,  they  were  on  their  way  to  join  their  friends 
and  brethren  in  battle. 

Notwithstanding  Britain  had  so  long  curled  her  lip  in  con- 
tempt of  our  country's  just  claims,  our  father's  did  hope  for 
an  amicable  adjustment  of  affairs ;  and  though  stern  neces- 
sity compelled  them  to  take  up  arms,  there  can  be  no  doubt, 
that,  when  the  die  was  thus  cast,  fear  and  trembling  took 
possession  of  many  hearts.  Our  ancestors  were  not  born  in 
the  '  tented  field,'  nor  cradled  in  «  soldier's  hammock,  nor 
taught  to  answer  echoes  from  a  cannon's  mouth.  And  how- 
ever great  might  be  their  trepidation,  an  equal  frenzy  would 
seize  upon  us,  if  the  like  scenes  were  to  form  a  part  of  our 
«xperien(^e.     Many  parted  with  their  friends  at  the  hour  of 


21 

trial,  expecting  to  meet  tliem  no  more  on  earth.  But  llie  guar- 
(liansliip  of  heaven  was  their  shield  and  their  buckler  ;  and 
after  contending  like  freemen  in  freedom's  cause,  tliey  were 
permitted  to  return  to  the  embraces  of  their  friends,  though 
clad   in   all   the  '  pomp  and   cir(;umstance   of  war.' 

The  tragedy  at  Concord  was  soon  suc^ceeded  by  the  more 
bloody  one  of  Bunker  Hill.  To  the  iidwibitants  of  this  town 
the  scene  must  have  been  one  of  deep  and  painful  interest. 
Not  only  could  they  hear  the  thunder  of  the  distant  can- 
non, and  the  deafening  report  of  musketry  ;  but  to  them,  the 
flash  that  lit  up  llie  pathway  of  the  '  leaden  death,'  wliich 
that  day  entered  many  a  noble  heart,  was  vividly  visible,  even 
while  lying  upon  their  beds!  P'rom  the  prominent  elevation 
in  the  centre  of  the  town,  called  '  VVaitt's  Mountain,'  the 
march  and  countermarch  of  the  contending  armies,  was  dis- 
tinctly perceived.  Many  of  the  people  liad  taken  position 
there  to  behold  the  fearful  sight.  From  the  more  southern  parts 
of  the  town,  men  were  seen  to  fall  in  the  midst  of  battle  array  ! 

For  a  moment  let  the  mind  dwell  in  contem[)lation  u[)on 
these  scenes,  as  they  appeared  to  those  who  have  gone  before 
you.  Ascend  some  overlooking  eminence,  and  gaze  upon 
an  assemblage  of  men,  wrapt  in  the  smoke  of  battle,  and 
stained  with  the  sweat  of  toil,  and  the  blood  of  friend  and 
foe  ; — or  throw  yourself  upon  a  bed,  surrounded  by  the  gloomy 
silence  of  night,  and  fancy  the  flash  of  cannon  and  musketry, 
streaking,  in  pale  gleams,  along  the  walls,  or  gliding,  like  a 
spirit  phantom,  across  a  sleepless  eye  ; — then  reflect,  that  a 
father,  husband,  son,  or  brother,  is  mingling  in  this  tug  of 
war  ; — and  when  imagination  has  extended  itself  to  the  utmost, 
but  the  faintest  vision  of  the  reality  has  been  gained. 

Energetic  operations  were  at  no  time  wanting  on  the  part 
of  the  inhabitants  of  this  town.  A  fort  was  thrown  up  at 
Beacham's  Point,  near  the  place  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Van 
Voorhis  ;  another  enclosed  the  house  near  which  Mr.  Na- 
than Lynde  now  lives  ;  and  the  house  and  barn  were  occu- 
pied by  a  company  of  men  from  this  town,  under  Capt.  Hatch, 
who  held  the  appointment  of  captain  of  the  town's  guard. 
Apertures  were  made  in  the  buildings  thus  occupied,  through 
which  the  men  were  able  to  fire  upon  the  approaching  foe. 

Some  crumbling  remains  of  these  fortifications  are  yet  vis- 
ible near  the  junction  of  Maiden  main  road  and  the  Newbu- 
ryport  turnpike.  They  are  almost  the  only  remaining  vestiges 
of  those  interesting  scenes.  Like  them,  most  of  those  who 
occupied  them,  have  been  broken  down  by  the  unsparing 
hand  of  time,  and  have  mingled  with  the  trodden  dust.  One 
individual,  Mr.  Amos  Sargeant,  alone  remains,  of  those  who 


22 

composed  Capt.  Hatch's  company,  at  the  time  of  the  occu- 
pancy of  these  fortifications.  A  fading  remnant  of  perhaps 
half  a  dozen  of  those  who  were  in  any  part  of  this  perilous 
contest  for  freedom,  is  all  that  remains  among  us,  to  tell  how 
nobly  they  toiled; — and  these  too  will  soon  vanish  away,  and 
we  shall  look  in  vain  for  those  to  whom  we  can  say  '  tell  us 
of  these  things.'  But  when  they  go  hence,  peace  be  to  their 
memories!  And  may  the  wind  that  shall  sigh  amid  the  tall 
grass,  which  may  grow  over  their  cold  pillows,  bear  back 
their  spirit  of  patriotism  to  the  bosoms  of  their  children,  and 
their  children's  children  ! 

In  this  glorious  struggle,  the  men  alone  did  not  take  part. 
The  female  portion  of  the  community  were  anxious  to  gain  a 
laurel  ;  and  though  unused  to  the  stern  service  of  musket  or 
sword,  their  assiduity  in  providing  for  the  comfort  and  wants 
of  those  who  took  the  field,  claims  a  meed  of  praise.  Many 
a  female  whose  fingers  tapered  as  mechanically  as  those  now 
gloved  to  sweep  a  parlour,  was  then  honorably  employed  in 
running  musket  balls,  or  filling  cartridges,  A  noble  example 
for  their  daughters  ! 

Our  ancestors  remained  firm  and  undaunted  through  all 
the  scenes  of  turmoil  incident  to  a  protracted  war.  Success 
ultimately  crowned  their  laudable  efforts.  In  process  of  time, 
the  clangor  of  w^ar  gave  place  to  the  silken  voice  of  peace. 
Our  fathers  hailed  with  rapture,  the  successful  termination  of 
this  conflict;  and  with  their  countrymen,  sat  down  in  quietude, 
beneath  the  spreading  branches  of  the  Tree  of  Liberty. 

But  in  the  fairest  picture  of  human  existence,  there  are  dark 
and  shadowing  pencillings.  It  is  even  so  in  this  case.  Just 
as  the  swelling  notes  of  rejoicing  were  gushing  up  from  many 
a  thousand  hearts;  when  the  sword  had  scarcely  been  w^ashed 
of  the  reeking  blood  of  the  enemy;  or  the  people  borne  the 
fruit  of  peace  to  their  lips  ;  an  ominious  cloud  arose,  and  the 
war  of  coming  tempests  was  heard  in  the  political  horizon. 
Inland  commotions  agitated  the  state,  and  threatened  death 
to  our  freedom  while  yet  in  the  cradle.  It  is  w^ell  known  that 
attempts  were  made  in  different  parts  of  the  state,  from  the 
year  1783  to  1786,  to  prevent  the  exercise  of  the  courts  of 
justice;  and  that  in  1787,  the  famous  Dame/  Shays  headed 
a  body  of  insurgents,  with  an  intent  to  get  possession  of  the 
military  stores, &c.  At  this  juncture,  the  people  were  groan- 
ing under  a  heavy  debt  and  enormous  taxes  ;  and  this,  together 
with  the  unsettled  state  of  the  country,  probably  produced 
this  dissatisfaction.  Maiden  was  not  the  immediate  theatre 
of  this  commotion  ;  but  its  citizens  were  on  the  alert;  and  in 
their  delibcTations,  resolves,  and  conduct,  exhibited  convinc- 


23 

ing  proof  of  their  determination,  resolutely  to  support  the 
government,  not  only  against  foreign  aggression,  l)ut  also 
against  all  internal  enemies,  l)y  a  eommentlable  pronif)titude 
in  furnishing  their  (piota  of  m(3n,  and  raising  a  proper  amount 
of  money,  to  remunerate  tho.se  who  were  called  I'orlh  to  de- 
fend the  constituted  authorities  of  the  country.  But  this 
scheme,  3o  rudely  devised,  failed  in  its  object ;  and  they  soon 
had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  this  nefarious  plot  overturned 
with  but  little  bloodshed  ;  peace  and  harmony  restored  ;  and 
the  rights  of  the  people  promoted. 

A  civil  war,  is  the  most  unhappy  incident  in  the  history  of 
any  Republic.  But  in  this  instance,  as  it  was  throughout  the 
period  of  our  country's  trials,  the  smiles  of  a  kind  Providence 
were  her  safeguard  ;  and  this  circumstance  was  so  wisely 
overruled,  that  it  eventuated  in  the  adoption  of  the  Federal 
Constitution. 

It  w^as  the  spirit  of  true  republicanism  that  carried  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  town  to  the  polls,  in  the  midst  of  those  troubles, 
to  which  we  have  adverted.  It  was  this  spirit  which  guided 
them  in  their  deliberations  upon  the  articles  composing  the 
constitution,  and  led  to  its  adoption  :  Nor  has  it  expired 
in  the  lapse  of  time,  but  yet  lives  to  defend  and  preserve  that 
constitution. 

A  biography  of  those  who  held  conspicuous  stations  in  the 
town,  during  the  war  of  1775,  would  be  read  with  interest. 
But  we  have  no  means  of  gaininoj  but  a  very  slight  knowledge  ; 
and  that  little  is  confined  to  a  few  characters,  and  has  been 
gathered  from  almost  dispersed  fragments.  A  few  individuals 
will  here  be  noticed. 

Capt.  Ehenezer  Harnden  was  a  man  of  extensive  influence 
in  the  town  ;  and  filled  several  public  offices,  at  difl^erent  peri- 
ods of  his  life.  He  represented  the  town  in  General  Court, 
for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  a  representative  when  Maiden 
sent  forth  those  spirited  instructions,  which  were  quoted  by 
our  reverend  orator,  on  the  last  anniversary  of  our  Nation's 
Independence.^     Capt.  H.  died  in  1786. 

Capt.  John  Dexter  was  town  clerk  several  years,  and  was 
appointed  a  delegate  to  the  provincial  Congress  at  Concord, 
together  with  Capt.  H.  He  was  an  active  and  efficient  man 
during  the  war. 

Capt.  Benjamin  Blaney  commanded  the  company  of  militia 
from  this  town,  at  the  battle  of  Lexington.     His   father  was 

*  Rev.  Mr.  Cobb  of  the  Universalist  church,  in  his  excellent  Oration,  July  4, 
1831,  presented  the  document  above  alluded  to;  and  the  enterprise  of  several 
individuals  has  since  produced  a  beautiful  Lithographic  Print  of  this  patriotic 
charge.     It  deserves  a  place  in  every  family  in  the  town. 


24 

a  magistrate  of  some  note,  and  was  found  dead  in  the  road 
when  returning  from  the  discharge  of  his  duty  in  1751.  Capt. 
Blaney  was  prompt  in  duty,  and  persevering  in  effort.  He 
removed  from  the  town  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life. 

Capt.  Isaac  Smith  was  many  years  a  representative.  He 
was  bred  at  sea;  and  both  as  a  citizen  and  public  man  sus- 
tained an  untarnished  reputation.  He  is  said  to  have  been 
one  of  the  most  influential  members  of  the  General  Court; 
and  was  universally  esteemed  for  his  refinement  of  feeling, 
and  christian-like  disposition.  He  could  not  boast  of  exalted 
parentage,  as  the  basis  of  his  honor;  as  I  think  he  was  taken 
from  the  alms-house  in  Boston,  when  quite  a  boy,  and  put  to 
sea.  But  this,  instead  of  being  a  deterioration  of  his  charac- 
ter, adds  a  brilliancy  to  the  fame  he  subsequently  gained. 
He  formerly  occupied  the  house  now  owned  by  Jesse  Upham ; 
but  afterwards  moved  to  the  south  part  of  the  town.  He  died 
in  1795. 

Dr.  Jonathan  Porter  was  a  physician  of  considerable  repute 
in  the  town.  He  was  originally  a  shoemaker;  but  by  close 
application,  he  obtained  a  knowledge  of  the  science  of  medi- 
cine, and  rendered  himself  useful  in  that  vocation.  He  died 
in  1783. 

Dr.  John  Spragtie  practised  in  medicine  in  this  town,  for 
about  thirty  years.  He  was  a  surgeon's  mate  in  the  first  eigh- 
teen months  of  the  war.  Afterwards,  he  entered  on  board  a 
privateer,  and  was  captured  and  carried  into  Ireland.  He 
was  a  son  of  Phineas  Spraojue,  and  brother  to  the  present 
Phineas  Sprague,  senior,  and  died  in  1803. 

Capt.  JVayler  Hatch,  who  commanded  the  alarm  list,  was 
much  at  sea  in  the  early  part  of  his  life.  He  was  a  stout- 
built  man,  rather  rash  in  temper,  and  fiery  in  zeal. 

Mr.  Phineas  Sprague  was  a  resident  in  the  north  part  of 
the  town,  and  a  most  daring  advocate  of  American  rights. 
He  was  quite  advanced  in  life,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war; 
but  one  of  the  individuals  connected  with  Capt.  Hatch's  com- 
pany, mentioned  as  starting  for  Concord  in  the  night,  after 
having  lain  at  Beacham's  Point  during  the  day.  Mr.  Sprague 
was  very  deaf;  but  his  heart  was  as  impervious  to  fear,  as  his 
ears  were  to  sound.  And  when  the  rest  of  his  party  were 
flying  from  the  view  of  the  enemy,  he  was  seen  upon  a  piece 
of  rising  ground  swinging  his  hat,  and  shouting  victory  !  He 
died  in  1805. 

Ezra  Sargeant  and  Benjamin  Green,  Esquires,  were  per- 
sons of  honorable  influence  in  the  town  ;  and  men  to  whom 
the  citizens  often  looked  for  counsel  and  instruction.  They 
were  among  those  who  long  aided  in  steadying  the  ark  of  our 


2i) 


liberties,  and  contributed  their  portion  of  talents  and  zeal  to 
the  public  welfare.  Mr.  Sargcant  died  in  1810,  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  81.     Mr.  Green  is  still  living. 

It  is  a  matter  of  regret,  tliat  the  record  of  men  and  matters, 
connected  with  the  most  memorable  period  of  our  country's 
history,  is  so  incomplete.  Had  proper  care  been  taken,  in 
this  respect,  what  feasts  of  story  miglit  be  served  up  for  the 
present  generation.  And  let  me  here  suggest,  to  every  young 
person  especially,  the  propriety  of  taking  notes  of  the  princi- 
pal occurrences  of  the  times  in  which  they  live  ;  and  also  of 
the  most  active  and  influential  men.  This  practice  would 
subserve  a  valuable   purpose. 

The  small  pox  made  its  appearance  in  the  town,  in  1778, 
and  continued  several  months.  A  number  of  persons  fell 
victims  to  its  rage,  though  the  town  took  active  measures  to 
prevent  its  spread. 

It  was  again  introduced  here  in  1792,  when  numbers  were 
vaccinated.  A  pest-house  or  hospital  was  provided  both 
in  the  north  and  south  parts  of  the  town.  That  in  the  north 
part,  was  the  house  now  occupied  by  Charles  Cummings; 
where  about  forty  persons  were  confined  with  the  disease. 
This  hospital  was  under  the  care  of  Phineas  Sprague,  senior. 

Very  little  regularity  existed  in  respect  to  laying  out  roads, 
until  after  the  establishment  of  peace.  Formerly,  the  inhabi- 
tants appear  to  have  struck  out  a  passage  way,  where  it  could 
be  done  with  the  least  trouble,  with  very  little  regard  whether 
strait  and  level,  or  zig-zag  and  hilly.  Some  traces  of  old 
roads  yet  discernable,  one  might  suppose  from  their  crooked- 
ness, were  originally  marked  out  by  the  wandering  track  of  a 
herd  of  cattle. 

Great  improvement,  in  this  respect,  is  now  visible.  The 
county  road  which  now  forms  the  main  street,  was  laid  out  in 
1806.  It  forms  a  most  excellent  road,  running  north  and 
south  through  the  town. 

Since  1775,  a  number  of  roads  have  been  petitioned  for 
and  laid  out  in  different  parts  of  the  town.  The  road  leading 
from  Maiden  to  Saugus,  by  Daniel  Boardman's,  was  laid  out 
in  1789.  The  road  by  Jesse  Upham's  was  extended  to  Chel- 
sea line  in  1790. 

The  erection  of  Maiden  bridge,  over  the  Mystick  river,  at 
the  place  formerly  known  as  'Penny  Ferry,'  in  1788,  furnish- 
ed to  the  community  a  convenient  medium  of  communication 
with  Charlestown  and  Boston,  far  preferable  to  the  old  mode  of 
crossing  in  a  boat.  If  any  method  could  be  devised,  whereby 
this  bridge  could  be  rendered  free  from  toll,  incalculable  ad- 
vantage would  accrue  to  this  town. 
4 


26 

Much  excitement  has  prevailed  at  different  periods  in  the 
town,  since  1695,  concerning  the  passage  of  ale-wives  from 
the  tide  water  up  to  Elk  pond,  in  the  north  part  of  the  town. 
Much  time  and  money  have  been  expended  upon  this  subject, 
to  little  or  no  purpose. 

The  meeting  house  which  was  the  source  of  so  much  con- 
troversy about  a  century  ago,  was  built  with  one  gallery,  but 
afterwards  another  was  built  above  the  first.  The  present 
brick  meeting  house  was  built  in  1803.  A  bell,  for  the  use 
of  the  town,  was  given  by  '  Lord  Timothy  Dexter,'  of  eccen- 
tric memory.  The  following  vote  of  thanks  was  presented 
him  : 

*  Voted,  That  we  are  deeply  sensible  of  the  honor  done  by  Timothy 
Dexter,  Esq.  in  the  donation  of  the  large  and  elegant  bell  which  he  has 
presented  us. 

'That  we  hope  long  to  retain  a  grateful  remembrance  of  our  obliga- 
tions to  him  ;  and  unanimously  request  Mr.  Dexter  to  accept  our  sincere 
thanks  for  the  honor  conferred  on  the  people  of  his  natiye  town.' 

Upon  an  examination  of  the  records,  it  is  apparent  that  the 
former  inhabitants  of  the  town,  generally  availed  themselves 
of  the  privilege  granted  them,  of  exercising  their  elective 
franchise.  When  at  the  polls  they  elected  such  men  to  fill 
the  public  offices,  as  possessed  qualifications  to  promote  the 
best  interests  of  the  town.  That  a  spirit  of  unbroken  una- 
nimity always  characterized  the  elections,  is  not  to  be  suppos- 
ed ;  nevertheless,  the  offices  were  filled ;  and  with  men,  too, 
whose  repeated  re-election  bespeaks  for  them  the  confidence 
of  their  constituents.  The  town's  representatives  maintained 
an  influence  in  the  General  Court  not  at  all  discreditable. 
Many  of  them  were  elected  a  number  of  years  in  succession  ; 
others  were  honored  with  re-elections  at  different  periods. 

Our  ancestors  esteemed  it  a  duty  and  privilege  to  be  at  the 
polls.  This  is  as  it  should  be.  It  is  an  exploded  doctrine, 
that  it  is  a  matter  of  little  consequence,  whether  the  electors 
do  or  do  not  exercise  their  rights  in  this  respect.  Men  ought 
individually,  then  and  there  to  express  their  opinions  and 
wishes,  by  their  votes,  unbiassed  by  sectarian  feelings,  and 
free  from  the  fetters  of  prejudice.  To  be  sure,  it  might  not 
be  expedient  to  fine  a  man  for  non-attendance,  as  was  done 
anciently ;  but  that  man  deserves  scorn,  who  presumes  to 
complain  of  what  was  done  at  the  polls,  while  he  was  wilfully 
or  unnecessarily  absent. 

Since  the  establishment  of  our  nationality,  important  im- 
provements, in  many  respects,  have  been  made.  Great  and 
beneficial  alterations  have  been  effected  in  relation  to  the 
school    system ;  and  valuable   and  necessary  immunities  for 


27 

gaining  useful  'infornialion  are  aflfordcd  the  rising  generation. 
School  houses  have  been  erected  in  the  several  districts,  coni- 
modiously  and  pleasantly  situated.  Schools  are  continued 
through  the  greater  ])art  of  the  year,  in  all  the  districts.  The 
number  of  schools  has  greatly  augmented  ;  and  (children  now 
•enjoy  very  exalted  privileges  in  comparison  with  their  ancestors. 
Other  improvements  can,  and  will  doubtUiss  be  made.  In  1829 
the  town  furnished  in  public  and  private  scliools,  from  450  to 
500  scholars; — aggregate  time  of  keeping  school  in  the  year, 
by  males,  25  months  ;  by  females,  37  months  ; — the  amount  of 
money  expended,  was  about  $2000.  The  present  state  of  the 
school  operations  would  nat  vary  much  from  this  statement. 

A  very  neat  and  commodious  alms-house,  with  a  pleasant 
farm,  is  now  owned  by  the  town,  and  improved  for  the  com- 
fort and  support  of  the  poor.  This  establishment  supports 
itself,  to  within  $500  per  year  ;  and,  no  doubt,  will  eventu- 
ally produce  all  that  will  be  requisite  for  the  support  of  the 
town's  paupers. 

Within  a  few  years,  a  temperance  society  has  been  formed, 
and  is  now  in  successful  operation.  A  goodly  number  of  the 
inhabitants  are  enrolled  upon  its  lists,  as  the  advocates  of  the 
principles  for  which  it  contends.  Before  this  society,  addresses 
are  delivered  at  stated  times  during  the  year  ;  and  these,  com- 
bined with  other  means  employed  by  the  society,  have  con- 
tributed to  enlarge  its  sphere  of  ifjfluence  to  a  very  honorable 
extent. 

Before  the  establishment  of  this  society,  the  evils  of  intem- 
perance were  sorely  felt  in  this  place.  Intemperance  was  mov- 
ing on,  and  exhibiting  its  deathly  effects  in  frightful  colors,  and 
with  rapid  strides.  But  an  apparent  change  has  been  pro- 
duced in  the  moral  atmosphere  ;  and  many  have  been  saved 
from  the  filth  of  inebriation,  and  clothed  again  in  their  right 
minds,  by  means  of  the  society's  exertions.  Nevertheless, 
much  yet  remains  to  be  accomplished.  The  noble  work  in 
which  this  society  is  engaged  will  undoubtedly  be  performed. 
With  all  my  heart  I  bid  it  God-speed — till  no  drunkard's  grave 
shall  be  found  to  disgrace  our  burying  yards. 

Thus,  briefly,  we  have  noticed  some  of  the  more  promi- 
nent occurrences  connected  with  the  history  of  the  town. 
Now,  casting  our  eyes  abroad,  we  find  ourselves  inhabiting  a 
pleasant  village  containing  2000  inhabitants  ;  we  behold  our 
happy  dwelling  places,  smiling  in  the  midst  of  contentment; 
our  townsmen  sitting  under  their  own  '  vines  and  fig-trees' 
unmolested;  the  diflferent  branches  of  manufacture  and  agri- 
culture industriously  pursued,  and  bringing  in  riches  and 
comfort  to  those  who  toil ; — health  and  prosperity  brighten- 


28 

ing  the  faces  of  all  around  us ; — the  sanctuaries  of  the  Most 
High,  reminding  us  that  God  is  the  Lord,  while  they  point 
us  to  the  skies,  as  our  final  rest; — and  the  different  religious 
sects  striving  to  further  on  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord,  and  of 
his  Christ. 

A  succinct  account  of  the  different  religious  orders  will 
now  be  presented.  The  principal  items  of  information  em- 
braced therein,  have  been  politely  furnished  by  official  mem- 
bers of  the  respective  societies. 

The  church  and  society,  known  by  the  title  of  Congre- 
gationalist  or  Orthodox,  was  the  first  church  organized  in  the 
town.  It  was  gathered  in  1648.  The  clergymen  previously 
mentioned  were  pastors  of  this  church  ;  as  for  many  years 
this  was  the  only  denomination  in  town.  In  1651,  this  church 
called  a  minister  to  the  pastoral  office,  without  the  consent  of 
the  neighboring  churches,  and  without  permission  from  the 
legal  authority ;  and  for  this  transgression,  the  General  Court 
imposed  a  fine  upon  thexn. 

In  16S0,  upon  an  occasion  of  fasting  and  prayer,  an 
instrument  composed  by  the  famous  and  venerable  Mr.  Wig- 
glesworth  was  solemnly  adopted. 

In  1727,  the  church  renewed  covenant  on  a  day  of  fasting 
and  prayer,  occasioned  by  a  great  earthquake. 

This  church  consisted  of  ninety-eight  members,  fifty-one 
males,  and  forty-seven  females,  in  1772.  During  the  dark 
and  discouraging  period  of  the  war,  the  members  of  this 
church  followed  the  general  custom  of  the  times,  in  setting 
apart  special  seasons  of  fasting  and  prayer,  that  God  might 
remove  his  judgments  from  the  land. 

A  confession  of  faith  and  covenant,  drawn  up  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Willis,  was  adopted  in  1792,  at  the  time  the  union  of  the 
two  parishes  was  effected.  This  instrument  is  yet  in  force  in 
this  church. 

No  circumstance  demanding  particular  notice  occurred  in 
the  history  of  this  church,  from  the  last  mentioned  period, 
until  after  the  dismission  of  Rev.  Mr.  Green,  in  1827.  Since 
that  time,  unhappy  differences  and  divisions  have  sprung  up, 
which  continue  yet  to  exist,  between  the  parish  and  the  church  ; 
— divisions  and  contentions,  too,  as  they  always  will,  exist 
where  they  may — which  have  marred  the  peace  of  the  com- 
munity, and  robbed  society  of  that  moral  beauty  which 
adorns  it  when  *  brethren  dwell  together  in  unity.' 

In  1828,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cobb,  a  clergyman  of  the  Universal- 
ist  faith,  was  elected  minister  of  the  parish.  Soon  after  this, 
the  church  met  and  agreed,  that  in  consequence  of  the  late 
doings  of  the  parish,  in  employing  an  Universalist  minister 


29 

they  would  unite  togetlier  and  stand  by  each  other,  together 
with  such  other  persons  as  mi^ht  associate  with  them,  for  the 
support  of  orthodox  prenching,  in  the  popidar  sense  of  the 
term.  They  have  steadily  persisted  in  carryin<j;  this  resolution 
into  eftect ;  and  have  constantly  maintained  public  worship 
ever  since.  They  may  have  considered  themselves  unhoused, 
yet  not  couched;  and  whether  they  de(Mn  their  grievances  as 
a  counterburt',  remains  to  be  seen.  Their  place  of  meeting 
has  been  part  of  the  time  in  Capt.  John  Sargeant's  hall  ;  and 
part  of  the  time  in  the  hall  of  the  brick  school  house,  where 
they  now  continue  to  worship.  At  the  time  of  the  installation 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Cobb,  the  church  presented  a  remonstrance  against 
the  proceedings  of  the  parish,  but  were  not  heard. 

Since  they  left  the  meeting  house,  they  have  added  to 
their  number  thirty-three  ;  twenty-nine  by  profession,  and 
four  by  letter.  The  whole  number  of  members  is  now  eighty- 
six  ;  twenty-four  males  and  sixty-two  females.  The  greatest 
addition  ever  known  to  have  been  made  at  any  one  time,  was 
on  the  Cth  of  Nov.  1831; — twenty-three  were  then  added  by 
profession.     Rev.  H.  McClure  is  the  present  minister. 

The  church  and  society  of  Universalists,  under  the  pastoral 
charge  of  Rev.  Sylvanus  Cobb,  dates  its  establishment  in  1828, 
the  time  referred  to  in  the  account  of  the  orthodox  church  ; 
though  there  were  individuals  of  this  faith  in  the  town,  for 
some  years  previous.  Several  individuals,  then  connected 
with  the  orthodox  church,  united  with  other  members  of  the 
parish,  constitute  this  denomination.  This  society  claims  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  the  first  parish  in  Maiden,  on  the  pre- 
mises that  they  are  now,  and  have  long  been  by  legal  pro- 
vision, members  of  this  parish  ;  and  though  they  may  have 
changed  their  religious  sentiments,  that  they  have  never 
changed  their  relation  to  the  parish  :  that  they  have  never 
reorganized  the  church,  but  have  engrafted  on  what  remained 
of  the  old  stock.  The  bone  of  contention  existing  between 
this  and  the  orthodox  society,  seems  to  have  originated  from 
the  dilemma  into  which  custom  and  law  have  thrown  them 
and  others  in  like  situations.  The  matter  appears  to  stand 
thus  :  the  church  has  a  right  to  choose  the  pastor  of  the 
church,  but  not  of  the  parish;  on  the  other  hand,  the  parish 
have  a  right  to  choose  a  minister  of  the  parish,  but  not  of  the 
church.  Consequently,  if  there  is  not  a  concurrence  of  these 
two  bodies,  in  the  election  of  a  minister,  a  breach  is  sure  to 
take  place  ;  and  that  too,  without  leaving  room  for  an  im- 
peachment of  motive  on  either  side.  How  this  evil  can  be 
remedied,  best  becomes  those  who  devised  the  system  to 
decide. 


30 

This  society  has  had  not  only  all  those  usual  difficulties, 
perplexities  and  prejudices,  always  attendant  upon  the  devel- 
opement  of  new  systems  and  designs,  to  contend  with  ;  but 
have  also  been  burdened  with  unpleasant  and  heavy  litigations. 
Steadily  and  perseveringly,  however,  they  have  continued  on 
their  course,  manifesting  an  attachment  to  their  system  of 
faith,  which  charity  should,  at  least,  resolve  into  conscientious 
motives.  They  are  in  possession  of  the  parish  meeting  house, 
funds,  &c.  and  have  gradually  increased  in  numbers,  since 
their  establishment  as  a  people. 

The  Baptist  church  in  Maiden  vi^as  instituted  in  1803. 
Whether  a  society  for  the  support  of  preaching  of  this  order 
was  long  in  existence  before  that  date,  I  am  not  apprised. 
The  church  was  formed  with  sixty-four  members  ;  of  which 
fifty-two  were  the  fruits  of  the  revival  that  year,  under  the 
preaching  of  Rev.  Henry  Pottle,  who  was  the  first  pastor,  and 
continued  in  that  office  until  1S07.  Rev.  William  Bentley  and 
Rev.  Eli  Ball,  successively  supplied  the  pulpit  for  about  three 
years  after  Mr.  Pottle  left;  but  were  not  considered  pastors. 
Rev.  Jason  Livermore  became  the  pastor  in  1811;  after  him, 
Rev.  Mr.  Wydow  supplied  the  pulpit  for  a  period.  In  1815, 
Rev.  Ebenezer  Nelson  became  pastor,  and  continued  such  until 
1824.  Rev.  John  Cookson  succeeded  him,  and  officiated  about 
two  years,  when  he  resigned.  Rev.  John  N.  Brown,  was 
pastor  from  182G  till  the  present  pastor,  Rev.  Avery  Briggs, 
assumed  the  charge  in  1828. 

The  rate  of  increase  in  this  church  may  be  learned  from 
the  following  statement.  In  1820,  Mr.  Nelson  baptized  sev- 
enteen ;  in  1824-5,  Mr.  Cookson  baptized  thirteen;  in  1827, 
Mr.  Brown  baptized  twenty-five  ;  Mr.  Briggs  in  the  first  year 
of  his  ministry  baptized  six  ;  in  the  second  ten  ;  in  the  third, 
(previous  to  the  late  revival)  one  ;  seventeen  in  all.  Since 
the  four  days  meeting  held  by  this  church,  Mr.  Briggs  has 
baptized  forty-six.  This  church  is  the  largest  in  town,  con- 
sisting of  about  one  hundred  and  seventeen  members.  Their 
meeting  house  was  built  in  1803.  Their  ministers  have  been 
active  and  zealous  in  their  calling.  This  society  has  not  been 
retarded  in  its  growth  by  internal  dissensions,  as  have  some 
others  ;  but  undoubtedly  has  had  its  trials  and  perplexities  in 
common  with  their  christian  brethren  of  other  denominations. 

Our  attention  is  next  called  to  the  introduction  and  progress 
of  Methodism  in  Maiden. 

Soon  after  the  introduction  of  Methodism  into  New  England 
in  1791,  a  class  was  formed  in  Lynn.  The  excitement  which 
this  subject  produced,  induced  many  of  the  neighboring  inhab- 
itants to  hear  the  doctrines  taught  by  this  sect.     The  vener- 


able  Jesse  Lee  and  his  coadjutors,  occasionally  preached  in 
the  soiitli  part  of  tlic  town,  soon  after  this  period  ;  and  suc- 
ceeded in  forming  a  class  of  (iftcen  or  twenty  niemhers  ;  but 
they  were  never  organized  into  a  clmrch.  The  venerable 
David  IVaitt,  the  Idind  man  occasionally  seen  at  church,  was 
a  member  of  this  class,  and  is  the  only  survivor.  Tiie  unspar- 
ing fingers  of  death  gradually  thinned  away  this  class  ;  and 
the  spirit  of  Methodism  awoke  not  again,  until  the  voice  of 
productive  circumstances  called  it  forth  in  1S13.  At  this 
time,  politics  raged  to  an  excessive  degree,  and  while  some 
of  the  adjoining  towns  were  under  the  banners  of  Federalism, 
Maiden  ranged  itself  under  that  of  Republicanism.  The 
minister  of  the  town  effected  an  exchange  with  a  clergyman 
of  a  neighboring  town,  who  was  noted  for  his  federal  princi- 
ples. The  discourses  of  that  day  were  of  a  heated,  political 
character,  and  came  strongly  in  collision  with  the  feeling  of  a 
major  part  of  the  citizens  of  that  part  of  the  town,  called  the 
north  end.  A  short  time  after,  a  proposition  to  obtain  a  min- 
ister of  the  Methodist  denomination,  and  establish  preaching 
in  the  school  house,  took  effect  ;  and  Rev.  Timothy  Merritt, 
then  a  member  of  the  legislature  from  Maine,  was  obtained, 
and  officiated  here  for  a  number  of  Sabbaths.  These  were 
the  circumstances  which  produced  the  resurrection  of  Meth- 
odism here,  and  led  to  the  formation  of  the  several  churches 
of  that  faith  now  among  us. 

After  Mr.  Merritt  returned  to  Maine,  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Pierce 
officiated  principally  until  the  fall  of  1813,  when  Rev.  Ephraim 
AViley  became  the  minister.  Under  his  ministration,  in  the 
spring  of  1815,  a  revival  commenced;  and  in  the  summer 
following,  a  church  was  formed  on  the  principles  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Wiley  remained  until  1818; 
and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Orlando  Hinds,  who  officiated 
one  year.  During  his  stay,  a  meeting  house  was  built.  Rev. 
Isaac  Jennison  succeeded  Mr.  Hinds  ;  and  a  second  revival 
took  place,  by  which  the  church  received  an  accession  of 
several  members;  and  which  also  gave  rise  to  another  branch 
of  the  church.  After  Mr.  Jennison  retired,  Mr.  Wiley  again 
labored  with  the  people  ;  and  Rev.  Leonard  Frost,  Rev.  Mr. 
Steele,  Rev.  John  Adams,  and  Rev.  Samuel  Norris,  succes- 
sively labored  on  the  station. 

Some  occurrences  in  the  year  of  Mr.  Norris's  appointment, 
planted  a  seed  of  evil  in  the  community  at  the  north  part  of 
the  town,  and  in  after  times  its  shoots  came  forth  as  thistles  to 
the  naked  feet;  and  its  fruit  was  like  *  vinegar  to  the  teeth, 
and  as  smoke  to  the  eyes.'  Mr.  Norris  vacated  his  station 
much  against  the  wishes  of  the  people  of  his  charge  ;  and  this 


m 

movement  induced  many  to  suppose  that  error  and  undue 
influence  formed  the  bulwark  of  Methodist  principles  ;  and 
therefore  a  contention  arose  upon  the  propriety  of  a  change 
of  system.  Matters,  however,  were  so  accommodated  that 
the  people  united  in  worship,  under  the  care  of  Rev.  Thomas 
F.  Norris  and  other  local  preachers.  Rev.  G.  W.  Fairbanks 
received  an  appointment  here  in  1827,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  La  Roy  Sunderland  in  1828  ;  at  which  time  the  con- 
gregation became  dismembered.  Rev.  Ezra  Sprague  was 
appointed  to  the  station  in  1829  ;  and  was  succeeded  by  the 
present  incumbent  in  1830. 

The  frequent  bursts  of  disaffected  feeling  which  occurred 
from  the  time  of  Mr.  Norris's  removal,  until  the  division  of 
the  society,  tended  to  produce  many  petty  jealousies,  and  bitter 
animosities.  Whatever  may  be  the  causes  leading  to  discon- 
tent, the  prevalence  of  such  feelings  are  alike  to  be  dreaded 
by  every  lover  of  harmony  ;  because  it  is  a  fact  beyond  ques- 
tion, that  while  dissensions  of  this  nature  are  abroad  in  a 
community,  virtue  never  prospers  and  religion  never  thrives. 
How  this  matter  will  eventuate,  the  disclosing  hand  of  time 
can  only  reveal.  It  is  not  the  prerogative  of  man  to  meet 
out  to  the  actors  in  those  scenes,  the  measure  of  their  blame. 
Each  one  can  judge  for  himself,  whether  he  is  deserving  of 
much  or  little  censure,  when  in  honesty  he  decides,  how  well 
or  how  poorly  he  has  fulfilled  the  royal  law,  '  Do  to  others  as 
ye  would  that  others  should  do  to  you.' 

This  cloud  of  darkness,  which  constrained  the  church  to 
cry  out,  we  are  '  perplexed  but  not  in  despair  ;  persecuted, 
but  not  forsaken  ;  cast  down,  but  not  destroyed  ;'  eventually 
gave  place  to  a  bow  of  hope  that  threw  its  irradiating  arch 
athwart  the  lowering  skies,  and  lit  up  the  pathway  of  expec- 
tation. Though  reduced  to  a  mere  handful,  they  found  them- 
selves still  able  to  support  the  means  of  grace.  Their  exer- 
tions have  been  crowned  with  success.  Peace  and  prosperity 
have  brimmed  their  cup  for  the  last  two  years  ;  and  it  is 
written  upon  the  walls  of  their  Zion,  '  those  that  love  thee 
shall  prosper.'  The  church  has  nearly  doubled  in  numbers 
since  the  summer  of  1829;  only  six  have  died  since  its  first 
organization  ;  and  it  now  comprises  fifty-two  members,  divid- 
ed into  two  classes,  with  their  respective  leaders. 

Two  individuals,  formerly  members  of  this  church,  are  now 
successfully  engaged  in  publishing  the  tidings  of  salvation  to 
their  fellow  men.* 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  in  Maiden  Centre,  origi- 
nated as  follows.     In  1816,  an  individual,  now  a  member  of 

*  Rev.  Federick  Upham,  and  Rev.  Warren  Emerson. 


33 

this  church,  moved   from   the  north  part  of  the   town  to  the 
centre,  who,  with  his  wife,  were  the  only  Methodists  in  that 
part  of  tlie   tiDwn,   excepting  Mr.  Waitt,  before  alhided  to. 
They  continued  to  live  in  the  love  and  fellowshi[)  of  the  church 
of  their  espousal,  without  receiving   any  accession  to  their 
number,  until  the  year  1820.    At  tliis  time  a  revival  commenc- 
ed in  the  north  society,  and  extended  to  the  centre  of  the 
town.  Several  persons  now  withdrew  from  the  Baptist  church, 
and  one  from  the  Congregationalist ;  who,  together  with  sev- 
eral others,  were   formed  into  a  class.     These,  like   many   in 
similar  circumstances,    had   many   difRculties   to   encounter, 
and  many  prejudices  to  overcome.     Being  without  a  house  of 
worship,  they  met  in  the  school  house  hall,  and  were  supplied 
a  portion  of  the  time  with  preaching  by  the  minister  of  the 
north  church.     Receiving  a  gradual   accession   of  numbers, 
they  proceeded  to  erect  a  meeting  house,  which  was  dedicated 
in  1825.     Rev.  Joseph  Marsh  labored  very  successfully  with 
this  society  at  this  time;  and  to  him  belongs  much  praise  for 
his  activity  and  perseverance  in  providing  a  house  of  worship. 
The  first  preacher  who  resided  with  them,  was  Rev.Ebenezer 
Ireson,  who  came  in  1828.     Rev.  John  T.  Burrill  succeeded 
him,  and  remained  two  years  ;  and  gave  place  to  Rev.  Timothy 
Merritt,  the  present  minister.     This  church  has  had  its  sea- 
sons of  adversity  and  prosperity.     It  has  moved  onward  under 
the  guidance  of  the  day-star  of  hope,  and   sat  down  in  tears, 
amid    the    darkness   of  clouds   of   disappointment.       It  has 
received  a  gradual  increase  of  members  ;  and  the  whole  num- 
ber is  now  fifty,  divided  into  two  classes. 

From  this  church,  also,  tw^o  individuals  have  gone  forth  as 
ministers,  and  are  recognized  as  '  workmen  that  need  not  to 
be  ashamed.'* 

Since  the  organization  of  the  last  named  church,  another 
has  been  formed  in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  known  by  the 
name  of  Reformers  or  Protestant  Methodists.  This  denomi- 
nation is  distinguished  in  its  policy,  for  its  opposition  to  the 
form  of  government  existing  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church.  With  the  merits  of  the  question  in  controversy,  it  is 
not  becoming  to  meddle  in  this  place. 

The  individuals  composing  this  denomination  were  among 
those  who  saw  fit  to  dissent  from  the  customs  and  usages  of 
the  old  church,  during  the  period  alluded  to,  as  a  season  of 
unhappy  jarrings  in  the  history  of  the  first  Methodist  Episcopal 
church.  The  circumstances  which  produced  the  first  feelings 
of  dissatisfaction,  did  not  cease  their  effect  during  the  time 
which  elapsed  from  Mr.  Norris's  removal  until  1828  ;  but  also 

*  Rev.  Aaron  D.  Sargeant  and  Rev.  Aaron  Waitt. 
5 


34 

led  to  a  protracted  war  of  opinion,  which  resulted  in  the 
formation  of  this  church.  For  several  years  the  people  con- 
tinued to  meet  together,  though  for  the  most  of  the  time,  the 
views  of  many  individuals  were  at  variance,  and  the  assembly 
was  divided  into  two  contending  parties.  The  question  of 
strife  was  again  and  again  covered  and  uncovered,  and  in- 
flamed and  quenched.  The  right  of  possession  of  the  meeting 
house  became  a  matter  of  warm  dispute  ;  but  when  it  was 
ascertained  that  the  deeds  thereof  asserted  its  definite  relation 
to  the  old  church,  even  beyond  contradiction,  the  dissenting 
party,  in  1828,  withdrew,  under  the  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Norris, 
from  the  former  place  of  worship,  and  occupied  the  district 
school  house.  The  parties,  however,  finally  referred  their 
difficulties,  by  mutual  agreement,  to  a  committee  of  arbitra- 
tion ;  both  parties  giving  written  pledges  to  abide  by  the 
decision  of  the  committee.  After  the  decision  was  reported, 
the  reform  party  returned,  and  the  meeting  house  was  occu- 
pied in  concert;  the  respective  ministers  preaching  alter- 
nately. 

The  decision  did  not  meet  the  approbation  of  the  dissenting 
brethren,  as  it  was  not  such  as  they  hoped  for;  and  in  the 
course  of  a  very  few  weeks  they  withdrew  from  all  connec- 
tion and  fellowship  with  the  old  church,  and  established  a 
distinct  place  of  worship.  This  society  afterwards  purchased 
of  the  district  the  old  school  house,  then  vacated  by  the 
erection  of  a  new  one ;  and  after  removing  and  enlarging  it, 
it  w^as  dedicated  as  a  place  of  worship,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Norris, 
in  1830.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Norris  is  the  officiating  minister — 
having  under  his  care  a  church  of  about  17  members. 

Having  presented,  according  to  my  best  information,  a 
sketch  of  the  past  and  present  state  of  the  town,  I  have  ful- 
filled my  design.  The  spirit  of  prophecy  is  not  mine,  and  I 
shall  not  attempt  to  pencil  the  scenes  which  coming  years 
may  develope.  But  may  I  not,  without  incurring  the  charge 
of  arrogance,  present  a  few  thoughts  which  ought  to  engage 
the  reflection  of  everv  uood  citizen  ? 

Upon  retrospection,  we  discover  occurrences  both  of  a 
pleasing  and  painful  nature.  You  view  your  progenitors, 
leaving  their  native  country  ;  braving  the  dangers  of  a  long 
voyage,  and  the  subsequent  trials,  privations  and  sufferings 
attendant  upon  a  settlement  in  a  wild  waste  ;  that  they  might 
enjoy  the  liberty  of  conscience,  and  the  blessings  of  freedom. 
They  planted  the  tree  of  liberty;  and  watched  each  shooting 
tendril  with  the  utmost  solicitude.  When  the  ruthless  hand 
of  a  proud  invader  would  pluck  up  that  tree  by  its  roots,  they 
extend  the  arm,  all-powerful   in  self-defence,   and  palsy  the 


35 


grasp  of  rude  oppression.  When  tlie  voice  of  peace  was 
reverberated  along  our  shores,  your  fathers'  arms  were  bared 
—though  on  them  might  be  seen, 

'Couts  of  blood 
Which  were  not  so  before,' — 

to  repair  the  wastes  war  had  made,  that  with  their  children 
they  might  sit  down,  and  enjoy  tiie  fruits  of  their  bloody  toil 
And  beholding  them  thus,  who  will  not  '  rise  up  and  call  them 
blessed  ?' 

There  are  dark  spots,  too,  in  the  picture  before  us  ;  and 
wisdom  would  dictate,  that  we  strive  to  avoid  leaving  the  like 
stains  upon  the  canvass  that  may  exhibit  our  doings.  Wheth- 
er the  town  has  been  more  given  to  litigiousness^'than  towns 
in  general,  I  do  not  undertake  to  decide.  It  has  been  con- 
vulsed by  internal  commotions,  and  torn  and  dissevered  by 
outbreaking  disatiections.  Experience,  too,  has  taught  some 
of  you,  how  very  sore  these  things  are,  and  how  much  their 
recurrence  should  be  dreaded.  Strive,  then,  to  avoid  the 
faults  and  mistakes  which  others,  or  even  yourselves  may 
have  committed,  by  seeking  in  concert  those  things  which 
make  for  peace,  and  will  promote  each  other's  good.  As 
fellow  citizens,  and  as  christians,  you  are  not  to  live  for  your- 
selves alone.  Man  ought  always  to  study  the  happiness  of 
his  fellow  man.  In  all  the  affairs  of  life,  and  in  intercourse 
with  each  other,  you  will  find  mutual  concessions  necessary. 
To  secure  peace,  the  flames  of  strife  must  not  be  fanned,  but 
quenched  ;  envyings  and  jealousies  must  not  be  indulo-ed,  but 
suppressed.  One  section  of  the  community  has  no  ncrht  to 
claim  more  than  its  fair  proportion  of  advantage.  All  cannot 
think  alike  upon  the  different  subjects  which  come  before 
you;  but  every  individual  should  feel  himself  as  helping  to 
make  up  one  whole.  Therefore,  be  ever  ready  to  give  others 
the  same  liberty  of  expressing  their  opinions,  as  you  claim  for 
yourselves,  both  at  the  polls  and  upon  religious  subjects.  As 
you  are  aware  how  easily  strife  and  angry  passions  are  excited. 
It  becomes  you  to  mark  well  your  own  footsteps. 

As  members  of  the  different  churches  and  societies,  you 
have  much  cause  for  thankfulness.  Though  you  may  have 
received  individual  and  collective  chastisements,  you  have 
not  been  swept  away  as  with  a  '  besom  of  destruction.'  Those 
who  once  said,  '  we  will  not  have  this  man  to  rule  over  us  ' 
have  returned,  saying,  'Thy  God  shall  be  my  God  ;  and  thy 
people  my  people.'  You  have  seen  the  church  built  up,  and 
the  borders  of  Zion  enlarged. 

Remember  your  place  i1  at  the  feet  of  Christ.  Be  not  vainly 
lifted  up  in  your  own  imaojinations  5  for  God  dwelleth  with  the 


36 

meek  and  the  humble,  but  abhorreth  the  proud  look  and  the 
dissembling  tongue.  At  your  firesides  recount  the  dealings 
of  God;  and  'tell  ye  your  children  of  it;  and  let  them  tell 
their  children,  and  their  children  another  generation.' 

Extend  the  hand  of  christian  kindness  to  those  who  may 
differ  from  you  ;  and  be  always  ready  to  meet  them  on  gospel 
premises,  and  on  no  other.  Set  an  example  of  patience  and 
forbearance  to  your  children,  while  you  are  contending  '  for 
the  faith  once  delivered  unto  the  saints.'  In  all  your  associa- 
tions, remember  that  those  who  would  successfully  '  strive  for 
the  mastery,  must  be  temperate  in  all  things.'  And  wrestle 
not  for  corruptible  crowns ;  but  for  a  diadem  unfading  and 
imperishable. 

Remember,  my  brethren,  young  and  old,  that  you  form  a 
part  of  that  glorious  superstructure,  whose  foundations  are 
deep  and  broad,  now  rising  up  to  the  astonishment  of  the 
world ;  and  whose  burnished  pillars  are  glistening  in  the 
sunbeams  of  piety  and  love.  If  you  stand  each  in  your  lot 
and  place,  then  shall  your  '  sons  be  as  plants  grown  up  in 
their  youth  ;  your  daughters  as  corner  stones,  polished  after 
the  similitude  of  a  temple ;'  and  the  Lord  God  shall  be  a 

GLORY    IN    THE    MIDST. 


